How to Handle a Diva

The Diva sometimes shows up at around age 13. She looks like your sweet daughter, but she has a new attitude that is hard to handle. The diva is demanding, haughty, moody and prone to rolling her eyes a lot.

Instructions

1. Control the diva; never allow her to control the family. Her mood swings are dramatic but they must be kept in check. Do not give in to tantrums.

2. Ask the diva what is wrong if she is sullen and overly quiet. Do not let her dark mood change the tone of the entire house. If she will not cheer up, ask her to go for a walk or a bike ride, anything to get some physical activity. Exercise improves the mood!

3. Give the diva some space at home. If she has run up to her room and slammed the door, perhaps it is best to let her relax a little. Too much confrontation leads to blowouts.

4. Give the diva ways to express her creativity. Participation in school plays, art projects, voice or musical-instrument lessons, or any creative activity can help the diva to work off some of the drama of her emotions.

5. Remember that the diva stage will pass eventually. Teenagers are undergoing a lot of change. As they adapt to each new phase, sometimes they become a diva—but normalcy will return at long last.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient, this diva stage will pass eventually.

• Do not show emotion when the diva rolls her eyes or is rude. Reprimand her as needed and move on.