Every stage of parenting comes with its own challenges. From the terrible twos to preteen drama, you’re in for a rollercoaster ride. Perhaps the most frustrating stage of all is the teenage years because your child is old enough and smart enough to argue on a whole new level. Before you let this get to you, check out these anger management tips for parents of teens, courtesy of our Michigan teen counseling center.
Watch For Signs That Your Child Is In A Bad Mood
Most teens will let you know they’re in a bad mood early on, not necessarily in what they say but rather in what they do. Your teen may become quiet, withdrawn, or disinterested in family gatherings. He or she may overreact about small issues or start crying about something minor. If you know your child is in poor spirits, try to adjust your behavior to avoid triggering a blow-up. You may still face an emotional upheaval, but do what you can to reduce the risks.
Sympathize With Your Child…Genuinely
It’s easy to write-off every complaint as a teenage tantrum, but that’s not always the case. Think back to when you were your son or daughter’s age. Problems that seem insignificant now were all you thought about at the time. That is what your child is dealing with, so you need to try to listen to your teen as much as possible. Identify the root cause of the problem and do what you can to fix it. Your teen counselor can help you with this process so the entire family can enjoy a happier experience.
Don’t Let The Back-talking Get To You
It’s important to teach your children to respect their elders. No matter how much you drill that into their heads though, chances are you’re going to get some back-talk from your teenager. This is one of the biggest causes of anger management issues for parents. They get overwhelmed with the disrespect and retaliate with verbal aggression. Having a screaming match is not going to solve the problem at hand, and it won’t teach your child how to react in a confrontation. Try not to let the back-talk get to you, and see what your teen is trying to say underneath the argument.
Find Creative Bonding Techniques
Family bonding will help balance out the arguments. You will get to know your son or daughter better, which will let you understand his or her emotional outbursts. Find special activities that the two of you can do together, from sports to music to working on cars and more. The stronger of a connection you have with your child, the less likely you are to argue with one another.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a teen counselor in Michigan, contact Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers at (248) 244-8644.