Teens Can Sweat The Small Stuff
Some people are really sensitive. Any little thing or change seems to bother them. They don’t like surprises and they’re easily upset. As far as they’re concerned, the more routine, the better. Sound like your teen?
If this sounds like your teen you are probably exasperated with all of the whining when things don’t go right, or maybe you just hold your breath and wait until the tantrum is over. If these coping mechanisms aren’t working for you, then maybe it’s time to dig deeper into what may be going on for teen.
Teens that fear change may have had experiences where the change had negative consequences: A divorce, a death, some sort of loss as in the time or closeness of a loved one. If subsequent changes were mishandled or very unexpected they can return to the feeling of loss experienced by the initial incident.
These teens need reassurance and anticipatory guidance for changes coming down the pipe. Although you may want to avoid telling them until the last minute because of their reaction, it is much better to tell them early and prepare them with reassurance that although something is going to change that these are the ways we can keep things the same in order to make you feel comfortable. By bringing the topic up early, your teen has an opportunity to ask questions, problem solve ways they can get their needs met despite the change and hopefully learn to feel better about the inevitable changes that life will continue to bring.
If your teen is sensitive about change, being respectful of that and giving them plenty of time to get adjusted to the change before it happens is the best thing to assuage their anxiety.
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Helpful and compassionate article. Thanks!