Teen Moods - What Can We Do? a blog by Shelley Carppe

Hey there, parents of awesome teens! 🌟 We all know that the teenage years can be a rollercoaster of emotions, both for you and your adolescents. But here's the thing: we have the power to choose how we feel, even in the midst of the teenage whirlwind - and it's a life skill we can teach our teens, so they can learn to be the captains of their emotional ships.

1. Acknowledge Feelings: First things first, let's normalize feelings. Remind your teens that it's totally okay to feel all the feels—happy, sad, frustrated, you name it. Emotions are a part of being human, and there's no "right" way to feel.

2. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: It's time to introduce your teens to the wonderful world of mindfulness. Encourage them to take a step back, observe their thoughts, and become aware of how they're feeling. Awareness is the first step to understanding why we feel the way we do, and the beginning of learning to gain mastery over our emotions.

3. Positive Self-Talk: Talk to your teens about the magic of positive self-talk. Show them that they can challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with ones that lift them up. It's like a mental pep talk that can work wonders - and it's impossible to have a negative thought and a positive one at the same time!

4. Focus on What You Can Control: Teach your teens the Serenity Prayer (you know, the one about accepting what you can't change and changing what you can). It's a simple yet powerful reminder that they have control over their reactions and choices.

5. Gratitude and Perspective: Get your teens into a daily gratitude groove. Encourage them to jot down things they're grateful for; start conversations over the dinner table or in the car reflecting on what you're grateful for, let them see you thanking other people for favours, big and small, smiling when you raise your face to the sun, or looking for the silver linings in difficult situations. Shifting their perspective towards gratitude can be a game-changer.

6. Empowerment through Decision-Making: Involve your teenagers in decision-making, from choosing what to have for dinner to more significant life choices. When they have a say in their lives, they feel more in control and capable of shaping their happiness.

7. Resilience Building: Share stories of resilience with your teens. Let them know that setbacks and challenges are a part of everyone's journey. Adversity can make them stronger, just like it did for those inspiring people they look up to.

Now, picture this: Thoughts Are Like Items on a Menu! 🍔🥗🍕 Just like when you're ordering food at a restaurant, your teens can choose what thoughts they want to "order" from their mental menu. Have them imagine their minds as a menu filled with various thoughts and emotions. They have the power to pick and choose which ones to "taste" and savor - and which ones to pass over. So, the next time they're feeling down or overwhelmed, remind them of this analogy. Encourage them to choose thoughts that nourish their well-being and empower them to create a positive outlook on life.

In the end, it's all about reminding your teenagers that they have the reins when it comes to their emotions. Encourage them to embrace their feelings, practice mindfulness, and choose positivity from their mental menu. With your guidance and support, they'll be well on their way to becoming emotional superheroes! 💪😊 #EmpowerTeens #PositiveThinking