| While few families will admit to it, anger is a constant | | | | often too busy to help their teen with a problem that |
| undercurrent and can lead to an out of control | | | | isn't urgent. Does this ring a bell? |
| teenager. Parental expectations can conflict with the | | | | To defuse anger, both sides must learn to fight fair. No |
| teenager's wishes. And, teens resent limitations placed | | | | winner or loser will result, just a positive way of |
| on them. The result is an out of control teen and an | | | | deploying anger. Learn to express anger without being |
| unhappy, stress filled home. | | | | cruel. Pass up things you don't really want to do, rather |
| Anger can manifest itself in indirect fighting, Teenagers | | | | than make promises then forgetting it. And, make |
| may say they will do something, then don't. They | | | | expectations realistic. Don't overload your teen with |
| constantly "forget" to do what they are told. They | | | | goals they can't possibly meet, but make reasonable, |
| pretend not to hear what is being said to them. They | | | | attainable goals. Then no one is upset and |
| often act bored and roll their eyes when instruction | | | | disappointed. |
| begins. Sound familiar? | | | | By taking a deep breath and being aware of the |
| Adults also indulge in this passive anger. They are | | | | content of your interactions with your teenager, the |
| notorious for agreeing to do something for a teen, then | | | | less likelihood an angry confrontation will result, |
| neglecting it. Parents say, "of course, Sweetie", without | | | | because you are in control. |
| really hearing a word the teen said. And, they are | | | | |