Teenagers are often described as unpredictable and volatile. The attitude of a teenager can be rather overwhelming at times. Having regular meltdowns and snarky comments are common traits teens display across the board. Distinguishing between hormonal changes that cause anger or deep-rooted anger caused from environmental and social factors can be tough to decipher, and even tougher to have to deal with.
Anger is a form of communication. Your teen may lash out to show you that they are anxious and distraught without having any coping skills to express their feelings in any other way but through anger. Without having the proper communication tactics and impulse control, there is no doubt a teen will continue to fly off the handle. If they become dangerous to themselves or others, are causing trouble at school, are left out of social functions with friends, or their anger disrupts the family dynamics, you should step in to guide them. You can assist your teen into learning better methods of expressing themselves when they are distressed.
Stay calm
If you engage with your teen when they are expressing their anger, you will only make things worse in the long run. Keeping control of your emotions will allow you to be a good example for your teen.
Encourage them
When you praise good behavior, you will be instrumental in building up their self-esteem. With encouragement, you must be consistent and genuine for the accolades to work in your favor. Get specific with your complimentary message because it shows you put some thought behind the words.
Be adamant
Just because they get mad does not mean you have to give in to them. You may want them to stop with the negative behavior, but if you concede to their every whim they will learn to take advantage of you instead of getting better.
Find serenity
Give them the ability to find tools that will help them manage their anger. Self-soothing is imperative to allow your teen to calm themselves down to a more tranquil state. Either your teen will be angry or calm because there is no way to be both at the same time. Showing them breathing techniques, journaling, or pausing before reacting can help better manage their anger.
Everyone experiences anger at some point of their life. What makes the difference is understanding what makes your teen tick and how to squash it before things get out of hand. Anger can be reversed, it just takes some redirection.
Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center has a program that can help the whole family to begin to heal. We offer essential recovery support skills to show the teen and their family how to implement a strong network that can reinforce healthy living.
Call us today to start living in recovery: 662-598-4214
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