Coping with Teen Anger: A Parent’s Roadmap to Calm

The process of parenting teenagers may be a difficult one, often leaving parents feeling bewildered and frustrated. At the same time, teenagers have a roller coaster of feelings and experiences that can leave them feeling irritated, confused, and detached from the world around them. When the two combine, it can be challenging to forge a healthy relationship. However, there are steps parents can take to support their teens and teach them how to effectively manage their anger, build resilience, and create a sense of inner calm. Even better? You don't have to do it alone. Liahona Academy offers a multifaceted approach to helping teens and parents find common ground, especially when it seems as if both might be at the end of their rope. In this blog, we will discuss the many ways in which parents may assist their teens in navigating this difficult time, as well as the impact a strong support system can have.

Understanding the Angry Teenager

Teenagers undergo enormous changes that can be hard to manage. From dealing with changing bodies and emotions and the formulation of values and goals, it's a wonder we ever see them smile. Unfortunately, when these lead to heightened emotions, anger is the most common response. As the parent of a teen, it is critical for you to have the awareness that anger is a natural emotion, but one that needs to be channeled and managed in a healthy way. When this approach is taken, it takes the edge off and allows a bit more understanding and patience to come through. 

Essential Tools Teens Need

It all starts with communication. While it might seem like the easiest thing to do is go to your separate corners and wait until the teen years are over, it's essential to show your teen that you're ready to talk with they are. Providing a safe space without fear of judgment can go a long way. Still, you'll need patience and flexibility. The key is to consistently remind them you're on their side and willing to listen. Then, when the day comes that they're ready to talk, encourage open and honest communication. Allowing them to talk about how they feel without passing judgment and practicing active listening gives them a better sense of being heard and understood, which in turn lessens the severity of their rage. Continue reading to learn other vital tools teens need.

Problem-Solving 101

In today's day of instant gratification, problem-solving seems to have gone out the window. As parents, it's vital to bring it back into the picture and practice with our teens. Problem-solving not only helps them find the root cause of their anger but also allows them to explore the implications of their choices and come up with potential solutions to the problem. At Liahona Academy, our team focuses on problem-solving in a variety of scenarios through peer groups, individual counseling, and more. With strong problem-solving skills, teens can tackle anything that comes their way.

Developing Resilience

The capacity to persevere in the face of adversity is referred to as resilience, and it is an essential trait for teens to cultivate in themselves. You have a significant impact on the development of resiliency in your teen, particularly those who are struggling. Part of building this resilience is the ability to reach out for help. Teens need to understand that it's okay to ask for help and that processing feelings is not only healing but empowering. You can pair exercises in resiliency with problem-solving by offering your teen the chance to make their own choices and learn from the consequences of those actions. In addition, this encourages self-sufficiency and can boost their self-esteem. At the same time, teach them to find the lessons in their mistakes, turning those times into teaching moments so they're not seen as times of failure.

Developing a Realistic Mindset and Growth

Equally important to the notes above is not putting your teen under unnecessary pressure to succeed in each and every facet of life. Instead, inspire them to perform to the best of their abilities but remind them that failures and obstacles are necessary parts of the learning process. For instance, instill the idea that falling short is not the end but rather a stepping stone on the path to achievement. Bring attention to how important it is to grow and change as a result of one's experiences. This, along with their budding resiliency through problem-solving, puts them on a path that moves away from anger. When these tools are provided, teens can make a significant impact on how they approach situations, working through them rather than becoming angry and acting out. In addition, introducing the practice of mindfulness can help them remain relaxed and present.

Activities to Help Troubled Teens Develop Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, are potent tools that can assist problematic adolescents in better managing their anger, developing greater resiliency, and locating a sense of inner calm. At Liahona Academy, we encourage these activities to help teens process issues and remain centered when the world around them seems to be crashing in. We've found that teenagers may find that the physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques involved in yoga are helpful in bringing their emotions under control. They learn to lessen their stress levels while also improving their ability to be in the here and now. In addition, yoga allows for an enhanced capacity for focus and concentration. This ability leads to wiser choices, better academic achievement, as well as improved general health and happiness. Also, their ability to lower levels of stress hormones increases when practicing yoga and meditation, which can be especially helpful for teens struggling with anxiety or despair.

How Can Liahona Academy Help?

Being a parent to a troubled teen can be challenging, but it is crucial to keep in mind that the advice and support you offer them can have a significant impact on the rest of their lives. You can assist your teen in managing their anger, developing resilience, and locating inner calm by encouraging open communication, teaching problem-solving skills, and introducing mindfulness exercises such as yoga into daily routines. These behaviors not only benefit them, but they also improve the quality of the connection between the two of you. While you're teaching your teen to ask for help, remember that it's okay to ask for help yourself. That's why we're here: to provide you with guidance and support when things become too much to handle. Our team consists of a licensed psychiatrist, licensed therapists, and five registered nurses working with you to create a customized treatment program and consistent care that empowers your teen. Keep in mind that the path may have its ups and downs, but with patience and mindfulness, you and your teen can successfully navigate these turbulent years. Contact us today, and let us help you build a strong support system for you and your teen.