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Which of your teen’s behavior problems should concern you and which are normal

Normal teenage behavior includes good and bad attitudes. We break down which are which

Anyone who has teens knows it’s not an easy road. Parents of young ones think they have it made once the terrible 2s and threenager stages are done. But, oh, are parents of teens in for a treat. But what every parent needs to know is that your teen acting out is as normal now as it was when they were 2 or 3. We’re here to help you break down negative teen behaviors that are perfectly normal and ones that are a cause for concern, so you can understand normal teen behavior versus teen behavior problems.

Mother and teenage daughter on the couch talking
fizkes/Shutterstock

Behaviors that are natural for a teen

All they want to do is sleep

It feels like your teen is lazy because they can’t get up before noon. But really, a teen’s sleep schedule is unique to them just like a baby or toddler’s is.

Your teen is moody

Your teen should be moody. They’re dealing with hormones, puberty, peer pressure, school, chores, learning how to drive, their first job, and so much more. Adults aren’t always in the best mood, so don’t expect a teenager with zero experience to know how to handle these things.

Sleeping teen

Behaviors that should concern you

Sleeping all the time

The concern comes in when your teen is sleeping all day, every day, for longer than a few days, and they don’t have an illness to explain it.

Moodiness leads to violence

Mood swings and attitude as a teenager are normal, but when it escalates to violence and other family members could be at risk, that’s a red flag.

Parents having a talk with their teen

How you should react to your teen’s negative behavior

Don’t take it personally

Your teenager doesn’t know where to direct their attitude, and you are the only safe person for them. Let them vent it out, but remember, you aren’t the main cause of their frustration.

Take the time to listen

Between friends, teachers, coaches, other siblings, and a slew of strangers on the internet, your child could potentially turn to the wrong person to talk to about their issues. If they approach you in any way to talk, make the time to be there.

Couple scrolling phone

How to keep your teen safe

Have phone numbers for help at the ready

Look up all the safety phone numbers and have them in your phone, so they are there before you need them. Let your teenager know you have the numbers programmed in case they need help, because you never know when they would rather talk to a stranger than their parent about an issue.

Teens have all the problems and responsibilities of an adult with only the experience of a child. It’s a tough, confusing, tiring space to be in. Try your best to create a safe environment for your teen to be a teen while understanding they are going through another important part of their development.

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Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
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