Teen Tantrums

How to Survive the Rollercoaster?

Parenting teens is like trying to tame a tornado with a paper fan. One moment, you’re best friends, laughing over shared jokes, and the next, you’re their Enemy No. 1 because you asked about their day.

Believe me! I’ve been there. My sweet, cheeky toddler—the one who used to cling to my leg and declare I was his “Supermom”—somehow grew into a moody, sarcastic, and, occasionally, sweet teenager.

I still remember the day he came home from school, slammed the door, and wouldn’t speak to anyone. My first thought? “What did I do?” Turns out, he was just “Hungry!” A Paratha later, he re-emerged like a Sweet-Teen 2.0. It was my first lesson in parenting teens: sometimes, all they need is food.

If you’ve ever found yourself baffled by your teen’s behavior, congratulations—you’re officially part of the club. But behind those mood swings, eye rolls, and occasional grunts for communication, there’s a lot going on. Let’s dig into the chaos together to help you survive (and maybe even enjoy these Teen Titans!

The Hunger Games: Snacks Save the Day

Let me start with this gem. It’s a universal truth that hungry teens are cranky teens. I learned this the hard way. One Saturday afternoon, after what I thought was an innocent question—"How’s your homework going?"—my son gave me that look, the one that says, “How dare you interrupt me?” What followed was a huff, a puff, and some slamming of doors. The solution? A Double Cheese Burger!!

In fact, I’ve come to realize that about 70% of teen meltdowns can be traced back to hunger and sleep. So, before you launch into another round of “Why are you acting like this?!” just check if they’ve eaten or had sound sleep last night. Keep their favorite snacks handy and watch how the mood improves. Want them to open up? Try Doritos! Seriously…

The Art of the Eye Roll: Give Them Space

Now, space! Oh, Glorious Space! Remember when they were toddlers, and you couldn’t even use the restroom in peace? Well, the tables have turned, my friend! Teens want their SPACE, and by space, I mean entire continents of it. If you dare knock on their door without a three-day prior notice, be ready for the universal teen greeting: THE EYE ROLL.

One time, I asked my son if we can go out to have an ice cream. His response? A sigh so dramatic it could have won an Oscar. "Mom, I need to be alone. I am talking to my friends." So, lesson learned—teens need their privacy, and respecting it goes a long way in keeping the peace. They’re figuring out who they are, and having their own space helps them process all the emotions swirling inside.

Sure, it might hurt a little when they shut you out, but trust me, they’ll come back when they’re ready—probably when they need a ride somewhere.

They’re Not Plotting Your Downfall

Here’s the thing—teens aren’t actively trying to drive you crazy. I used to think my son was on some secret mission to test my patience. Like the time he “forgot” to tell me about a big project until 10 p.m. the night before it was due. Did he want me to lose my mind? Nope. He was just overwhelmed.

They’re not out to make your life harder—they’re struggling to handle their own. Their brains are still developing, their hormones are in overdrive, and school is more intense than it’s ever been. The trick is not to take it personally. They might not say it out loud, but they need our support more than ever—Just not in a "hovering, always checking in" kind of way. More in the "I’m here when you need me" style.

The Decision Debacle: Trust Them (Even When You REally Doubt It)

Ah! The choices they make! If you’ve ever had your teen come to you with an idea that made you want to facepalm, you’re not alone. Like the time my son decided that growing out his hair until it covered his eyes was the coolest thing ever. My inner parent wanted to say, “No, absolutely not!” But instead, I let him rock his mini-hair rebellion. Sure, it looked ridiculous, but hey, it was his decision.

Teens are learning how to make choices, and as painful as it can be to watch them make questionable ones, we have to let them. Will they make mistakes? Of course, Yes! Will their hairstyle choices be terrible sometimes? Absolutely! But letting them take ownership of their decisions helps them grow. And when they do fail, that’s where we come in—Not with an “I told you so,” but with a “What did you learn?”

The Power of Being There (Even When They Pretend They Don’t Need You)

Teens have mastered the art of pretending they don’t need us. It’s like their favorite sport. But don’t be fooled—they still do, and how. They might roll their eyes when you offer advice, but deep down, they’re listening. Like the time my son had a fight with a friend. He refused to talk about it, but later that night, I found him lingering in the kitchen, clearly wanting to chat. I didn’t push, but I made sure he knew I was there to listen when he was ready.

Turns out, just knowing you’re around makes a world of difference. Sometimes, being present—without hovering—is all they really need. They want to know we’ll be there when life throws them curveballs, but they also want the space to figure some things out on their own. It's a delicate dance!

Here’s the bottom line:

Teens are trying to navigate one of the most confusing stages of life. They’re figuring out who they are, where they fit in, and how to deal with the pressures that come from every direction—SCHOOL, FRIENDS, SOCIAL MEDIA, & yes, even us PARENTS. It’s overwhelming, and without a strong support system to fallback, it’s easy for them to feel lost.

That’s where we come in! Our job isn’t to solve all their problems or shield them from every mistake. It’s to be their safety net. To offer guidance when they ask for it, space when they need it, and unconditional love through it all. They’re going to mess up, and that’s absolutely ok. We did, too, remember??

But, with US standing behind them, they’ll learn from those mistakes and, eventually, soar High! So,

Laugh When You Can, Be Patient When You Can’t…

Some days, you’ll feel like you’ve got it all under control, and other days you’ll wonder if you’ve completely lost the plot. But in the end, it’s all worth it. Those little moments—the unexpected joke, the rare but precious deep conversation—remind us that our teens are still the kids we raised, just in a new, ever-evolving form.

Remember!👇

#1 Their behavior is a language that so often means they're hungry, tired, overwhelmed or stressed.

#2 Their growing bodies, changing brains and swinging hormones drive so much of their uncontrollable attitudes and outbursts.

#3 They're really not plotting against us - They're struggling and need our help and guidance.

#4 That quite often they're just as confused by their snarky attitudes as we are.

#5 That nothing can fix a crummy mood faster than their favorite food and space to decompress.

#6 That conflict is normal. They're just trying

independence on for size and I shouldn't freak out.

#7 That more than anything, they need to feel loved, understood and accepted just the way they are.

#8 They really ARE trying

#9 They're going to make mistakes... They're learning.

#10 They want us to love them enough to let them Soar High!

They may not say it, but they’re grateful for you. And one day, when they’re out there conquering the world, they’ll look back and realize just how much your steady presence meant. Until then, hang in there—and maybe invest in some Noise-Cancelling 🎧