Dealing with your rebellious teen may feel like standing in a hurricane. You might even lose control while dealing with the defiant behavior of your teen. Navigating through sudden outbursts and constant lip-smacking can become very challenging. But you should remember that you can't control the behavior and anger of your teen, but you can control your reaction.
Remember to take a deep breath and deal wisely with your teen. Mood changes in teens can be unpredictable. They might go from being excited about their favorite things to being furious with you in the blink of an eye. It's not your fault because, during the teenage phase, kids experience naturally intensified feelings.
Causes of Teen Anger
During teenage kids undergo significant physical and mental health changes that can be a cause of their behavior. Teenagers push new boundaries and try to be independent, and these behaviors are often termed typical teen behavior, but it's essential to know the real cause behind this conduct.
However, it is essential to understand normal and rebellious behavior clearly. Here are some possible causes of your teen's anger:
- The brain rapidly grows during the teenage years, and hormone levels increase, which can contribute to your teen's intense emotions.
- Anger is an emotion, but if your teen is constantly aggressive, it may indicate underlying mental health issues.
- Abuse and bullying are serious issues that can be a cause of your teen's anger.
Ways to Handle Teenager's Anger
You can follow some strategies to avoid conflicts and promote a healthy relationship with your teen. Here are some tips for you to handle this situation:
Calm Down
If you also start behaving judgementally, things will only worsen, so take a deep breath and remember you are the parent. Remember, their behavior may indicate some more complex issue. Walk away if the conversation heats up a bit too much.
Listen
Your teenage issues might sound nothing serious to you, but in reality, they are significant issues for teens. Listen to their problems and let them talk about their situation. Be a good listener and stop interrupting even if it seems complicated. If you behave like a dictator, they will avoid discussing their issues.
Show Your Trust
Once your teen knows you trust them, they won't hesitate and will open up to you. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand them.
Set Positive Example
Through your attitude, you can set a positive example for your teen. They can learn emotional regulation skills from your positive attitude. For example, you can say: I am feeling very angry right now. Let's calm down and talk about this later. Screaming and yelling will only make things worse.
Be Consistent
Be consistent in making efforts for a healthy relationship with your teen. Discussing the issues once or twice won't push it. You'll have to keep trying and talk to them. One more important thing is to set clear boundaries. If your teen comes home after curfew and you punish them, and they do it again next time, don't let it slide.
Give them Constructive Advice
Suggest some activities as an outlet for their anger. For example, physical activities can help them relax and ponder their situation. Teach them some problem-solving skills they can use throughout their life. Activities like journaling, walking, meditation, etc, will help them in the long run.
Seek Professional Help
After acting on all the strategies, if your teen's behavior is not changing, they may be suffering from a mental health issue. Take them to a therapist or a psychologist because they need professional support. If they are hesitant, offer them one-on-one therapy sessions and respect their privacy.
Residential Boarding School
If your teen's violent behavior is severe, frequent, or escalating despite following the above-given strategies, a residential program with specialized therapeutic support may be appropriate for them. Consult your teen's situation with mental health professionals, counselors, or therapists who have experience working with troubled youth.
But if your teen's behavior threatens themselves or others, it's better to send them to a residential boarding school. Residential boarding schools have a supportive and structured environment for troubled teens. Being under professional supervision 24/7 and with fellows facing the same issues will help them. Liahona Residential Treatment Center offers a residential treatment program for teen boys.
What is the Best Way to Handle an Angry Teen
It can become very challenging to deal with angry teens. You may even lose control, and that's a natural reaction, but try to stay calm during this situation. If you yell and scream at your teen, they won't listen to what you are saying, even if you are talking about their good. During this type of situation, you can follow some strategies like staying calm, listening to your teen, controlling your anger, offering them constructive advice, etc.
But if things don't work out, you should consider residential boarding school for your teen. Liahona Behavioral Modification Program for troubled teen boys can help you and your teen. They combine several techniques to overcome your teen's negative emotions.
