The teenage years can be an emotional rollercoaster for parents and teens alike. As children grow into young adults, hormonal changes coupled with a desire for more independence can often lead to increased conflict and emotional outbursts known as tantrums. While tantrums are a normal part of the teenage experience, they can strain the parent-child relationship and also make it tricky if you are fostering teenagers.
As a parent, having empathy while also setting boundaries is key to navigating tantrums smoothly. Here are 5 tips for handling teenage tantrums:
Stay Calm
When your teen or foster teen has an emotional outburst, it’s understandable to want to react strongly yourself. However, staying calm can help diffuse the situation. Take some deep breaths, speak in a neutral tone, and avoid making accusations or judgments. This models level-headedness and gives your teen space to work through their emotions. If needed, take a brief timeout to collect yourself before continuing the conversation.
Listen without Judgement
Allow your teen to express themselves fully during a tantrum without interrupting. Listen attentively to understand where their emotions are coming from. Avoid diminishing their feelings by saying things like “you’re overreacting.” Validate their emotions by reflecting back what you heard. Let them know you care about what they are going through. This active listening can help teens feel heard and speed up the de-escalation process.
Set Reasonable Boundaries
While allowing teens room for big emotions, also set reasonable boundaries around respect and behaviour during tantrums. Make it clear that hurtful language, breaking things, or aggression won’t be tolerated. Calmly enforce consequences like device removal if disrespectful behaviour continues. Boundaries show teens their emotions are acceptable but actions must stay respectful.
Look for Compromises
Often, tantrums arise from teens seeking more freedom or pushing back against rules. After a tantrum, have an open discussion about potential compromises. This could mean negotiating curfews, allowing more screen time, or permitting a later bedtime. Compromising shows you’re willing to accommodate their growing maturity within reason. But be wary of lifting all restrictions at once. Gradual, age-appropriate freedoms are best for successfully navigating the teen years.
Keep Communication Open
While tantrums naturally strain relations, keep communication channels open during calmer times. Have regular one-on-one chats to understand their perspectives. Share your own teen experiences to find common ground. And consult them about house rules and changes rather than dictating. Making teens feel heard and involved will reduce tantrum triggers and keep connection intact. Navigating teenage years is about open communication, not just behavior management.
Don’t Take it Personally
Remember that teenage tantrums are driven by a complex mix of hormones, emotions and a growing need for independence. Try not to take disrespectful words or extreme reactions too personally. Your teen is likely just struggling to communicate their feelings effectively. With emotional maturity, tantrums usually become less frequent. Avoid escalating the tantrum with your own hurt feelings. Staying calm and setting boundaries with love will help minimise future conflicts.
Parenting teenagers can be intensely emotional at times. But by responding with empathy, enforcing needed boundaries, compromising where possible, and keeping communication open, parents and foster carers can skillfully navigate teenage tantrums while retaining a strong relationship.