Ever asked your teen how they’re feeling only to get a shrug or an eye roll in return?
You’re not alone. Teens often act like they don’t care, but under the surface, big emotions are flooding their system. They just don’t have the tools to process them. And when they don’t have the words or the regulation strategies to deal with all that intensity, they shut down, blow up, or tune out.
Have you ever heard your teen say, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” or, “If I feel it, it’ll never stop”? These thoughts can leave them feeling stuck, frustrated, or even ashamed of their emotions. Teens often develop beliefs about emotions based on their environment, culture, or personal experiences, and these beliefs can shape how they handle life’s challenges.
Ever wonder why your teen’s emotions seem to come out of nowhere? One moment they’re fine, and the next, they’re slamming doors or crying in their room. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and often confusing for parents. The truth is, teens experience emotions intensely because their brains are still developing. But the real challenge? They often don’t understand why they feel the way they do.
Does your teen ever spiral into a meltdown over something that might not even be true? Perhaps they didn’t get a quick reply to a text and immediately assumed their friend is mad at them, or they scored poorly on one quiz and decided they’re failing school. These thought patterns are incredibly common among teens, and they can lead to unnecessary anxiety, conflict, and emotional overwhelm.
