From conflict to connection
A Parent’s Guide to Teen Behavioral Issues
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Understand the “why” behind their anger, dishonesty, or defiance
Learn the difference between normal teenage behavior and a more serious problem
Go from “what is happening?” to “what do I do next?”
When your teen is acting out—with defiance, anger, or dishonesty—it can feel like your relationship is breaking. It’s easy to feel lost, frustrated, and alone. However, it’s essential to remember that challenging behavior is almost always a symptom, not the root cause of the problem. It’s a sign that your teen is struggling with something they can’t put into words.
When screens become a problem
Today’s teens face behavioral challenges that were not present a generation ago. Here’s how to set clear boundaries and know when your teen’s screen time is a real problem.
- Teen phone addiction: Learn to recognize the signs that phone use has crossed the line from a habit to a compulsion, and get practical steps to help them disconnect.
- Social media addiction in teens: Understand how social media affects the teenage brain and find strategies to foster a healthier relationship with their digital world.
Defiance, manipulation, and rule-breaking
When a teen’s behavior consistently tests boundaries, it’s often a sign of a deeper issue.
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in teens: Learn the difference between normal defiance and ODD, and discover practical strategies for managing a household filled with constant conflict.
- Conduct disorder in teens: Understand this more serious pattern of rule-breaking and aggression, and learn about the treatment paths that can help.
- Manipulative teenager: Learn how to identify manipulative behaviors and set firm, healthy boundaries that foster honesty and accountability.
- Why do teenagers lie? Uncover the real reasons behind the dishonesty—from fear to social pressure—and learn how to rebuild trust.
Anger, outbursts, and concerning actions
Sudden outbursts or concerning actions are often driven by emotions your teen can’t yet manage.
- Teen anger issues: Learn how to de-escalate angry outbursts and help your teen find healthier ways to express frustration and stress.
- Intermittent explosive disorder in teens: Understand these sudden, intense episodes of rage and learn about the specialized support that can help manage them.
- Why teenagers shoplift: Look beyond the act itself to understand the underlying drivers, from peer pressure to a cry for help.
- Teen kleptomania: Learn the distinction between shoplifting and the clinical compulsion of kleptomania, including its causes and treatment.
When conditions look alike
Many behavioral disorders share similar symptoms, making a clear diagnosis difficult. These guides help you understand the key differences.
- ODD vs. conduct disorder: See a clear comparison between these two commonly confused conditions.
- ADHD vs. ODD: Learn to distinguish between the impulsivity of ADHD and the defiant patterns of ODD.
- Conduct disorder vs. ADHD: Understand the different motivations behind the similar-looking behaviors in these two disorders.
- ODD vs. bipolar disorder: Differentiate between the persistent irritability of ODD and the distinct mood episodes of bipolar disorder.