How to React to Your Teen’s Big Emotions 

Adolescent development is accompanied by a whirlwind of uncontrollable emotions, and this is not only hard for the teen to deal with but also for their parents.

What can you do to help manage their emotions? 

Teenagers are often looking for someone to understand them, so they don’t feel alone in these emotional changes. Growing up is tough, and having a lack of control of their emotions can make them even more frustrated. They don’t always understand why they are feeling a certain way, so tryoffering the validation they need. 

Listen Carefully

By giving your full attention and listening to their thoughts, you’re instantly showing that your teen’s emotions are valid. You might not fully understand how they feel, but demonstrating that you are listening and paying attention can make them feel valued.

Communicate

Reflect on your conversations and ask questions about how they’re feeling. Talking about it ensures you know exactly how they feel without any misinterpretations. Asking questions will give them a sense of validity and show that you want to help and understand what you can both do to make it more manageable. 

Normalise Their Emotions

Teens often become more frustrated when their emotions don’t make sense to them, and they may assume that others think the same way. Make sure you normalise their feelings whilst still showing some sympathy. However, saying things like "we’ve all been through it” or "it happens to everyone" can be perceived as patronising or dismissive of their feelings.

Communicate Additional Factors and the Potential Effect on Their Mood

Discuss additional factors that might be affecting their emotions. Have they just done badly on a school test? Have they got a party next weekend, and they are getting anxious about it? These small troubles to us are magnified for teens, as they don’t have a lot of other worries to focus on. Talk about their upcoming events or things happening in school and consider if any of these small subjects might be influencing their emotions.