How to Deal With a Teenager's Moods

All teens will experience a wide variety of moods and mood swings during their teenage years. A teenager may feel happy and excited one day and upset and scared the next. Teenagers' moods can affect the entire family, so follow these steps to help both you and your teenager deal with changing moods.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Talk to your teenager frequently to find out how she feels and how she is doing. This will show your teen that you have an interest in her and her well-being. If you see your teen acting moody, try to find out what is going on. Attempt to keep the line of communication open between you and your teen at all times.

2. Listen to your teen. You will want him to know that he can come to you with any issues or problems. Lend an open ear to your teenager if he wants to talk to you. Try to understand your teen's point of view and feelings and try not to act critical or judgmental of him. Doing this will help your teenager deal with his moods and understand what triggers his different moods.

3. Support your teen. Teenagers may act moody when they feel as if something isn't going their way. In cases like this, show your teen that you support her through thick and thin. Encourage your teenager to try harder to help her find another activity to focus on. Give your teen advice, if she asks for it, as well. Acting supportive of your teen can help minimize mood swings and make the situation better for you as a parent.

4. Spend time together as a family. If your teen has mood swings that make her feel upset, angry or anxious, quality family time can make both you and her feel better. Go on a family outing to a sporting event, a fair or any other event that the whole family will enjoy. Have a family dinner together. Family time will show your teenager that you love her and that the family cares about her and about each other. This can improve your child's moods as well as the overall mood of the entire family.

5. Give your teenager space. Some teenagers will need time alone to work things out or think over events that triggered a mood swing. If your teenager appears to need space or actually asks you for some space, allow him the space he needs. Let him spend time alone in his room or outside on the deck. Let him work things out on his own. If your teenager would rather talk to a friend instead of to you, allow that as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that your teenager's hormones are changing and these can be very difficult times for both the youth and her parents. Tell your teenagers every day that you love them.
• If your teenager's moods or mood swings seem severe or appear to get worse with time, you may want to contact your child's doctor. This is especially important if you observe any signs of depression in your teen.

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