
Say for example one day your teen just told you that they hate you during a heated argument. Of course, you pause and try to evaluate yourself. Nothing breaks a parent’s heart like hearing those painful words. However, almost all parenting experts suggest that you do not take your child’s outbursts personally especially if you have teenagers. Most likely, it is their hormones that are talking and not your kids themselves.
Try to remember your own experiences when you were still a teenager. Do you remember how changeable your moods were? Like how you were several years ago, your children are also trying to assert their independence in ways that they know how. Your teen could also be so angry at the world right now because she is unsure of herself due to the changes that her body is going through.
So when your teenage daughter says something awful to you, do not be surprised if they strike out at you verbally. Again, think about your own childhood experience. You have probably gone through the same thing before. Probably you have also said some hurtful things to your parents when you were a teenager, so do not be surprised.
Instead, try to learn to accept the outbursts and whatever distance that your child is putting in between you. Think of it as a part of the growing process. Remember, your child is going through a lot at this point of her life. Adding more pressure by telling her to do well in school or to treat their friends well could be asking them to do something that they are not sure how to go about.
When your child has negative outbursts, do not immediately react to it. Actually, they do not mean to literally attack you. Just think of it as a coincidence – you just happened to be there when they were feeling upset and unsure of things.
The only way that you can help is to remain calm. Instead of returning a negative response back at them, ignore what they say and keep in mind that it was just a product of the moment.
If you react to your child’s verbal declarations and take them personally, you are putting more fuel to the fire. What you can do is to step back and tell your child that you are taking a time out. Do not let your emotions rule you, and let your temper cool down for a little while.
Always keep in mind that your child is going through a phase, and you are not making things easier for them if you keep taking things personally. The key to effective communication with children is to not personalize things. Instead, think of ways to bring your child closer and more comfortable in talking to you about her problems.
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