6 Tips for Handling Your Moody Teen

Having a teenager at home can be… well, tricky, to say the least. With their quickly changing moods and strong opinions, it can be hard to know what to do when they are testing your limits. Below are six helpful things you can try at home to make it a better space for everyone!

1. Take a second.

It’s important to remember that most of the time, it’s not about you. Your teen is directing their feelings towards you rather than because of you. Even when it’s the heat of the moment, it is essential not to take things personally and react, as this will only make things worse.

2. Consider the “why”.

The teenage years are a time of significant growth and maturity as hormones settle and brain development begins to wrap up. The human brain fully finishes maturing at age 25, with the prefrontal cortex being last to develop. Because of this, teenagers struggle with the ability to think logically (hence the constant urge to ask your teen, “What were you thinking!”), and often act on impulse instead. Helping yourself and your teen understand what is happening in their body can help to identify where the mood might be coming from.

3. Look at their sleep and diet.

With all the daily hard work your teen’s brain and body does to grow, they need quite a bit of sleep to make up for it. Consider looking at their sleep schedule, as sleeping too little or too much can impact their moods. Your teen’s diet plays a role in this as well. Make sure they are getting enough to eat and are eating a variety of foods.

4. Coping Skills.

Coping skills are helpful for various issues and come in many forms. Helping your teen to find practical coping strategies, whether through Google searches or therapy, can be very helpful for your teen in managing their moods. It might also be beneficial for you to join in on a particular strategy, such as going on a walk outside, as this will encourage them to continue to use it and feel less alone. It can also help your mood.

5. Give “House Rules”.

Setting clear expectations and boundaries for your teenager is a must. Not only does this communicate your expectations, but it also allows you to ignore the daily minor annoyances and choose your battles. One example of a house rule could be showing respect through not talking back.

6. Be empathetic.

Think back to when you were a teenager and how confusing of a time it was. When looking at your own teen, it’s easy to focus on everything they are doing wrong, so it can be helpful to remember that they are also trying their best. Remember that it’s okay to have a bad day, it’s okay for your teen to have a bad day, and it’s okay to give them space if they need it to feel better.

You’ve got this!

Hopefully, these tips will help in the challenging journey of parenting a moody teenager. Remember, understanding the "why" behind their behavior can make a world of difference. Choose to be empathetic, recalling your teenage years and recognizing that you and your teen are doing your best. Everyone has their off days; sometimes, a little space can go a long way. You've got this!

And if you need a little extra help, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in working with teens and parents. Having some outside perspective can help. A therapist can offer guidance, support, and practical strategies, empowering the family to create open and healthy communication.