Children are most prone to mood swings between the age of 13 to 18. During this age, children throwing tantrums is very common.
Studies show that mood swings in adolescents are mostly because of hormonal changes in the body during that age.
Special children are no different. Parents of children with disabilities especially have a hard time dealing with this because they’ve been used to caring for their child 24X7. A child who always wanted Mom or Dad around, suddenly demanding space or being cranky around them can be difficult to deal with.
But this is a stage every parent has to deal with.
How do you make sure you give your child enough space, while still being there for them? How do you deal with your special child’s mood swings without ruining the relationship you share with them?
Here are 5 tips to deal with your special child’s mood swings
1. Think before you speak
When people are angry, they end up saying things they don’t mean. When your child doesn’t behave, it’s normal to lose your cool and say something mean or very rude. But before you reach that stage, remember what your child is going through is a phase that will pass. In a bout of anger, don’t say something that could ruin your relationship forever.
Children behave the way they do because of some reasons. Getting mad at them for feeling a certain way only teaches them that their emotions don’t matter.
Always remember, the way you talk to your children becomes their inner voice when they grow up.
As parents, you should always be careful to not something that would scar them forever.
2. Keep calm
No matter how prepared you think you are, when your child actually hits adolescence, you’d be surprised at how easily they can get on your nerves.
When your child does something you don’t like, take deep breath, instead of losing your cool with them. Spend some time away from your child. Ask your spouse to take care of the child for a couple of hours every week. Hire a professional care taker, if needed. Most importantly, pay attention to your own health.
The happier and healthier you are, the simpler it will be for you to help your child with their mood swings.
3. Look at it from their point of view
The way your child is behaving or the things they are demanding may sound completely irrational to you. Instead of shrugging it off or completely disregarding their opinion, try to look at things from their point of view.
Why is it that they are doing what they are doing? Why are they saying the things they’re saying?
This might help you understand and manage a situation better.
4. Ask them why
One of the most common mistakes parents make is not asking their children about their feelings and what’s going on in their minds.
If a child makes an irrational request, don’t say no right away. Ask your child why they want to do what it. They may want to do something because they strongly believe it, but you haven’t understood yet. It could be because it means a lot to a friend. Or it could simply be peer pressure.
Unless you talk to your child, you’ll never understand what’s on their mind.
5. Let them be
Sometimes, the best thing to do is let them be. All the hormonal changes happening in your child’s body and everything happening around them can sometimes lead them to behave in ways you’d never imagine. At times like this, the best thing to do is let them be.
Let your child know that you’re always there for them. But give them their space and the freedom to make decisions on their own. The best you can do is explain the consequences of their action.
Living with a teenager is like a roller coaster ride. You never know what to expect next.
But as parents, it is always important to remember that this is just a phase and will pass, very soon. When things go out of hand, remember the time when you were your child’s age and went through similar emotions. Instead of shunning them or getting mad at them, try to be their friend and understand what they are going through.
Some children with disabilities get especially difficult to deal with during their teen age. This is an age when their peers are trying new things, experiencing newer emotions and mingling with different types of people. When your child’s disability prevents them from doing something, it makes them angry, sad and hopeless.
As parents, getting them the right kind of counselling and being their biggest support system is the best you can do.
At The Village, your child gets all the education and care they need.
Prepare your child for a better future. Ensure academic success and make your child independent. Learn more about Programs, Assessments and Activities at The Village.
For any queries about education and care for your special child, get in touch with us here.
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