Signs to Look For
Understanding normal teen behavior and recognizing warning signs that may require attention.
As teenagers begin to assert their independence and find their own identity, many experience behavioural changes that can seem bizarre and unpredictable to parents. These, unfortunately, are the actions of a normal teenager. However, it's important to understand which behaviors are normal during adolescent development, and which can point to more serious problems.
Normal Teen Behaviors
Changing Appearance
Keeping up with fashion is important to teens. That may mean wearing provocative or attention-seeking clothing. Avoid criticizing and save your protests for the bigger issues.
Changing appearance can be a red flag if it's accompanied by problems at school or other negative changes in behavior.
Increased Arguments
As teens begin seeking independence, you will frequently butt heads and argue.
Constant escalation of arguments, violence at home, skipping school, getting in fights, and run-ins with the law are all red flag behaviours that go beyond the norm of teenage rebellion.
Mood Swings
Hormones and developmental changes often mean that your teen will experience mood swings, irritable behavior, and struggle to manage his or her emotions.
Extreme mood swings, persistent depression, or severe anxiety that interferes with daily activities and lasts for more than two weeks may indicate a mental health concern that requires professional attention.
Peer Influence
Friends become extremely important to teens and can have a great influence on their choices. As teens focus more on their peers, that inevitably means they withdraw from you. It may leave you feeling hurt, but it doesn't mean your teen doesn't still need your love.
Red flags include a sudden change in peer group (especially if the new friends encourage negative behavior), refusing to comply with reasonable rules and boundaries, or avoiding the consequences of bad behavior by lying. Your teen spending too much time alone can also indicate problems.