Teenagers suffer through many changes as hormone levels fluctuate. Emotional changes are one of the main concerns for many parents during this time. Extreme sadness, anger and hostility can leave you reeling and fighting off feelings of helplessness. Helping your teenager through these difficult times is important for your teenager's emotional well being.
Step 1
Listen to your teenager. Encourage him to speak freely with you about what is troubling him and what he believes may help. According to the Hanley Center, teenagers who are able to open up and speak about their troubles to parents are less likely to engage in drug and alcohol use than teens who have no parental involvement in their lives.
Step 2
Speak to your teen without lecturing or scolding. Lecturing and scolding may push your teen further away from you and break the trust that she has. Instead, reassure her that you love her and will be there whenever she needs you. Let her know that you understand what she is going through without taking over the conversation.
Step 3
Breathe deeply and realize that it is not your fault that your teen is going through these strong emotions. Many parents blame themselves and ask what they did wrong. In reality, it's not your fault and has no bearing on your parenting skills. If you can't accept that no one is to blame, it may be difficult to help your teen.
Step 4
Back away and give your teen some space. Every emotional outburst does not require team effort. Sometimes your teenager just wants to be left alone to sort out his feelings. Give him the space he needs to grow and learn how to deal with his own emotions.
Step 5
Provide your teen with a low-stress environment. According to Dr. Reed Larson, Ph.D. with the NYU Child Study Center, adolescents are more sensitive to stress, leading to unstable emotions and anger outbursts. Your teen endures stress at school and with friends already. Keeping your home as free of stress as possible should help your teen cope with strong emotions more easily.
