Current:Home > ScamsHow to show up for teens when big emotions arise-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
How to show up for teens when big emotions arise
View Date:2024-12-24 00:03:59
Being a teenager is hard. Every day holds the possibility of emotional highs and lows, and parents don't always know how to be supportive.
Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour says instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, parents can learn to ride the wave of emotional management with their teens.
NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Damour about her book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable and Compassionate Adolescents. Here are some of Damour's takeaways:
- Remember that adolescence is a demanding developmental stage. Damour says one of the best gifts you can give a teen is to be a steady presence and lead with curiosity and empathy.
- When a teen is experiencing low self-esteem, Damour says reassurance doesn't work nearly as well as we would like. Instead, Damour suggests empathizing with how the teen feels. Try saying, "You know that's not true, but it must feel awful to feel that way."
- Another tactic to help a teen experiencing a big feeling is to give them space. Damour suggests something like, "Why don't we call that your first reaction? And why don't we see if a second reaction comes along?"
- Talking about emotions is good, but there can be a tipping point when talking too much about feelings. In this situation, Damour suggests comforting and then shifting a teen who's overprocessing their emotions into a healthy distraction. Suggest doing an activity they enjoy and revisit the issue the next day.
- For the teen who doesn't talk about their feelings, Damour reminds parents that there are healthy non-verbal ways to process emotions. Listening to music, playing sports and making art are healthy ways for teens to work through emotions that don't involve having a discussion.
- Be encouraged when your teen handles their emotions in a healthy way that brings relief and does no harm. But Damour notes that when a teen's feelings are out of proportion and they're using destructive behaviors — like acting out or drug abuse — to cope, it's time to step in and give more support or seek professional help.
Hear more advice on supporting a teen through emotional highs and lows in the podcast episode at the top of the page or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The audio portion of this episode was produced by Destinee Adams and Meghan Keane. Meghan Keane also adapted the story for digital. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].
Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or sign up for our newsletter.
veryGood! (36)
Related
- Burger King is giving away a million Whoppers for $1: Here's how to get one
- Giving birth in a war zone: The struggles of many Syrian mothers
- Economic spotlight turns to US jobs data as markets are roiled by high rates and uncertainties
- How to make sense of the country's stunningly strong job market
- Kirk Herbstreit berates LSU fans throwing trash vs Alabama: 'Enough is enough, clowns'
- Tom Brady Says He Has “a Lot of Drama” in His Life During Conversation on Self-Awareness
- AI was asked to create images of Black African docs treating white kids. How'd it go?
- Chris Hemsworth Shares Lifestyle Changes After Learning of Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Burger King is giving away a million Whoppers for $1: Here's how to get one
- 'This one's for him': QB Justin Fields dedicates Bears' win to franchise icon Dick Butkus
Ranking
- Mean Girls’ Lacey Chabert Details “Full Circle” Reunion With Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried
- Health care strike over pay and staff shortages heads into final day with no deal in sight
- Michael B. Jordan Reunites With Steve Harvey Over a Year After Lori Harvey Breakup
- Dancing With the Stars' Mark Ballas and Wife BC Jean Share Miscarriage Story in Moving Song
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- Prosecutor won’t seek charges against troopers in killing of ‘Cop City’ activist near Atlanta
- Appeals panel won’t revive lawsuit against Tennessee ban on giving out mail voting form
- Michigan judge to decide whether to drop charges against 2 accused in false elector scheme
Recommendation
-
Denzel Washington Will Star in Black Panther 3 Before Retirement
-
Mortgage rates haven't been this high since 2000
-
Boy thrown from ride at Virginia state fair hospitalized in latest amusement park accident
-
Security questions swirl at the Wisconsin Capitol after armed man sought governor twice in one day
-
How Leonardo DiCaprio Celebrated His 50th Birthday
-
Stock market today: Global markets advance in subdued trading on US jobs worries
-
Want flattering coverage in a top Florida politics site? It could be yours for $2,750
-
Police officers won't face charges in fatal shooting of protester at 'Cop City'