Families For Life | Staying steady amidst mood swings
Even as adults, we sometimes struggle to keep our emotions in check. Let alone teenagers. Emotional ups and downs are normal when teens are experiencing the world around them at their age. Here’s how you can help them make sense of their emotions.
Understand why mood swings happen
It isn’t drama. It’s actually biology. Teens often experience strong feelings and unpredictable moods because their brains are still developing, particularly areas that manage emotions and self-control.
With all the social and physical changes they are experiencing, the stress can add up. Recognising this will help you stay calm and supportive rather than reactive.
Listen, don’t judge
The best thing you can do for your teenage children when they are feeling down or anxious isn’t to offer advice. It’s to listen. Show that you are there for them with supportive words like, “I can see you’re having a difficult day”. Acknowledgement like this helps them feel seen and heard.
This is also where bonding as a family becomes important. Spending more time together allows you to connect with them and listen actively, which can make all the difference in how your teen opens up to you.
Give them some space too
It may seem a little contradictory, but teens need both your support and their freedom. While you being there for them is important, so is a little privacy too. During their teenage years is when they start thinking more independently, and having some alone time helps them explore their identity. At the same time, your quiet presence tells them you are there for them when they need you.
Build their resilience
Let your teenage children know that feeling down is a normal part of life. Helping them learn coping skills is an important part of their emotional growth. Here are some ‘mood busters’, which are activities that they can do to feel better.
Listening to an upbeat song
Chill out with a friend
Go for a brisk walk
Spend time with the pet
Watch a movie
Whatever the activity, it’s a tool they can reach for when things don’t feel good.
Be your teen’s role model
Teenagers learn more from our actions than our words. If you show how to handle frustration calmly, apologise when you’re tired or wrong, and express your own ups and downs honestly, you give your teenage child a powerful blueprint to follow. Strong family relationships and role modelling matter deeply during the teenage years.
Know when to seek help
Sometimes, mood swings go beyond typical ups and downs. If your teenage child has been persistently sad, anxious, or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks, or if their mood prevents them from doing their usual things, it could be cause for concern. It is important to talk with him or her and seek help from a mental health professional.
In conclusion, teenage years are a journey of incredible growth with emotional twists and turns along the way. But by staying curious instead of judgmental, offering space with support, and helping your teen build their own coping strategies, you’re giving them a steady anchor during change.