How to Talk to a Moody Teen

Talking to a moody teen can be challenging and frustrating for both the parent and the teenager herself. It is typically during the pre-adolescence and middle adolescence phase that teens go through bouts of moodiness. Their bodies and emotions are changing, and with that, their mood changes as well. Be patient as you try to help her through this phase of her life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Understand that your teen is just as frustrated as you as are. His cognitive development and hormones are undergoing huge changes and are responsible for the mood swings. He is trying to understand what is happening to him too.
2. Show love and patience. Keep your cool and do not take her insults or argumentative tone personally. It's hard on her as well.
3. Give him the space that he needs. Pick the right time when he is calm and more open to suggestions and counsel to talk about his behavior.
4. Offer your support and be available for him when he needs to talk. Find time each day to talk and listen to what he has to share. Do not judge or jump on lecturing him.
5. Use humor. Laugh with her about her silly mistakes or jokes instead of ignoring her attempt to share her experiences. As silly or ridiculous as it may be, it's funny and important to her.
6. Show respect to him and his friends. He will feel more comfortable confiding and talking to you.
7. Learn more about her world and the challenges that she is going through as a teenager. Try to put yourself in her shoes.
8. Set limits. Teenagers still need them. He will know what's right and not. Do not pick a battle that's not worth straining your relationship with him, especially when he is not violating a limit that you have set.
9. Show love and continue to stay close to your moody teen. It is important that she knows that you will be there for her no matter what.