One day, your kid will become a teenager. Major changes will happen to them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes we are preoccupied with so many things in life that we may fail to adjust to our kids growing up. It is at this point where they need our understanding more than ever.
It may be hard for them to express themselves during this phase. It is a good opportunity to help them develop emotional intelligence by helping them understand themselves and deal with their feelings better.
Developing Your Teen’s Emotional Intelligence
Your teenager will go through a difficult phase. Not only are they going through changes, but they also have bigger challenges ahead. Obligations at school, peer pressure, bad influences, and many other issues can contribute to the confusion. They may need counseling services for better support.
One of the first things you need to strengthen in your kids is their emotional intelligence. They’ll gradually learn to control their emotions better and deal with an increasingly difficult world. If you do this right, they’ll end up as well-balanced adults who will figure out how this world works on their own terms.
If you feel any brewing conflict or resistance, it’s just natural. Be patient and understanding, and come from a perspective of love—always. They are not that emotionally developed yet to deal with increasingly difficult transitions.
Help them deal with their anger and other emotions and let them express them freely. Let them understand that it’s okay to feel different emotions, but that they are responsible for how they handle those feelings.
Get Through Things Together
Connect with your kids and listen to them, but respect their boundaries as well. Don’t give them that usual “when I was your age” spiel. Your era was a different period. While many of the things you did to deal with life were helpful, it might not be the case with your kids. Help them understand that emotions are valid, and there are healthy ways to deal with them.
Some great activities together will help you understand how they respond emotionally. It is a great opportunity to learn about their thought processes. You may notice this in the books, music, movies, video games, or pop culture icons they identify with. It’s not a major concern for you; it is a sign of how they express themselves when they can’t do it directly. Always come from a non-judgmental position and offer unconditional support.
Listen to how they explain their hobbies and ask about their interests. When they show you lyrics that they like, let them discuss it freely. It’s the same when watching their favorite shows or their choice of video games. Game with them, and be their steady emotional support. Sometimes, all they need is understanding. They’ll learn to process emotions properly to become happier, healthier teenagers.
And if things get rough, don’t ever hesitate to seek the help of a mental health counselor.
Final Notes
Your teenager may go through issues of expressing and dealing with emotions as they grow up. It’s important to help them with this difficult transition by being more understanding. Observe how they deal emotionally with the world and help them respond accordingly. It’s the more natural way they can develop emotional intelligence.
Hope Seed Support Center can help kids with minor to serious emotional issues. Whatever the causes, we approach them with love and understanding to help them learn about themselves with appropriate counseling services in the Houston, TX area. Call us for any help needed. We are always here for you.
