Emotional Control for Adolescents

Adolescence brings new emotional challenges for caregivers and their teens. As a result of changes in the adolescent brain, teens experience significant increase in emotional intensity.

In order to support and increase your clients emotional control in everyday situations caregivers can:

• Be clear and specific about the rules and keep the “have to’s” to a relatively small number.
  • Be clear about which rules are negotiable, review them on a regular bases so it is clear that your expectations have not changed, and enforce them so they know you mean them.

• Use communication strategies that invite discussion rather than confrontation. When communicating with your client during a conflict you may want to consider the following strategies:
  • Use active listening – paying attention to what your client is saying. Try to avoid the urge to immediately offer an opinion, judgment, or solution to what you see is the problem.
  • Negotiate whenever you can – save the nonnegotiable for situations that are important. It is important to let your client know that you respect his/her point of view and will negotiate or compromise whenever possible.
  • Try and avoid no to any request that your client makes. No needs to remain in your vocabulary, but use it judiciously and be prepared to present your reasons.