One minute, they ignore you. Next, they overshare at midnight. Here’s why…
“Teen mood swings aren’t just hormones—they’re brain rewiring in real time,” says Steinberg, a leading adolescent psychologist. Source: APA Journal.
One minute, they’re glued to their phones, ignoring you. Next, they’re venting about existential crises at 11 PM. It’s like living with a human tornado—unpredictable, intense, and oddly fascinating.
I once asked my son how his day was. He shrugged. Hours later, at precisely midnight, he launched into a monologue about the meaning of life. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever wondered why this happens (and how to survive it), you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
The “Too Cool to Talk” Mood
What Just Happened?
One day, your kid is narrating every detail of their day. Next, you’re lucky to get a grunt. Conversations now feel like decoding a secret language:
And let’s not forget the look—a mix of exhaustion, mild disgust, and “Why are you even talking to me?”
Possible Causes
- Brain Remodeling – Their prefrontal cortex is under construction. Decision-making and emotions are all over the place.
- Social Survival – Teens are figuring out how to “fit in.” Talking to parents? Not cool.
- Independence Mode – They’re testing the waters of adulthood, which sometimes means shutting you out.
How to Respond (Without Losing Your Mind)
✅ Don’t Take It Personally – It’s not about you (even if it feels that way).
✅ Use Their Timing – Catch them when they want to talk—usually at inconvenient hours.
✅ Engage Indirectly – Car rides, late-night snack runs, or talking while doing something together works best.
✅ Embrace the Silence – Sometimes, just being there is enough.
Credits to: @bethechangeparenting
Relatable Parent Poll!
How long was your last conversation with your teen?
🕐 5 seconds
🕐 10 seconds
🕐 1 minute
🕐 I don’t even try anymore
Drop your answer below! Let’s compare notes.
The “Can’t Get Out of Bed” Mood
Why Do They Sleep So Much?
Teenagers sleep like they’ve run a marathon in their dreams. Science says they need 8-10 hours, but parents know the truth—it’s more like 18. The real challenge? Waking them up before noon without starting a war.
The Science Behind the Sleep
How to Wake a Teen (Good Luck)
✔ Try a Gentle Approach – Start with a soft knock… and maybe a bribe.
✔ Use Their Favorite Music – Play it loud. Bonus points if it’s a song they hate.
✔ Get a Pet Involved – Dogs and cats are expert alarm clocks.
✔ Cold Air Trick – Open the window. Let nature do the work.
Quick Trivia: Can They Break This Record?
What’s the longest recorded time a teen has slept?
✅ 11 hours
✅ 24 hours
✅ 11 DAYS! (Yes, really—A 17-year-old in the UK slept for 11 days straight.)
Drop your answer below before checking!
The “Slammed the Door Again” Mood
Why Do They Slam Doors?
Door slams are teen Morse code for:
🔴 I’m mad.
🟠 I need space.
🟡 I don’t know how to say what I feel.
They’re not just being dramatic—brain development, hormones, and emotions on overdrive play a huge role.
What’s Happening in Their Brain?
What to Do (Besides Removing the Door)
- Stay Calm – Easier said than done, but a calm response keeps things from escalating.
- Give Space – Sometimes, they just need a moment.
- Use “I” Statements – Instead of “Stop slamming the door!”, try “I feel frustrated when doors get slammed.”
- Set Limits – Let them know slamming isn’t okay, but feelings are.
Mini Challenge: How Many Doors Get Slammed?
Guess how many doors the average teen slams before age 18:
✅ 100
✅ 500
✅ 1,095! (That’s one per day, give or take a few.)
Comment your guess before checking!
The “Random Burst of Energy at 11 PM” Mood
Why Are They Suddenly Hyper?
One minute, they’re half-asleep at dinner. Next, they’re debating philosophy, practicing TikTok dances, or rearranging their entire room at 11 PM. Why?
- Their body clocks are different. Teens’ circadian rhythms shift, making them naturally night owls.
- Melatonin is released later in teens. While adults feel sleepy around 9–10 PM, teens get their “second wind.”
- Their brain is most active at night. Processing emotions, solving problems—apparently, 11 PM is the perfect time.
Signs Your Teen Has Entered the “Night Owl Zone”
✅ Suddenly needs to deep clean their room at 11:42 PM.
✅ Wants to discuss the meaning of life while you’re brushing your teeth.
✅ Starts cooking a full meal after you’ve turned off the kitchen lights.
✅ Decides now is the best time to fix their sleep schedule by not sleeping at all.
✅ Blasts music, then swears they’re “not even tired.”
What Parents Can Do (Besides Surrender)
Fun Add-On: Parents vs. Teens at Night
Parent at 10 PM: “Finally, bedtime!”
Teen at 10 PM: “Time to rethink my entire existence.”
Drop a comment: What’s the strangest thing your teen has done at midnight?
Conclusion: Your Turn! Share Your Teen Mood Story!
Parenting tweens and teens is like riding a roller coaster in the dark—you never know what’s coming next. One minute, they’re your best friend. Next, they act like you don’t exist. And just when you think you’ve figured them out… BAM! New phase unlocked.
Pick Your Teen Mood Moment!
📢 Which one have you survived this week?
Your Turn! Drop Your Funniest Teen Mood Story Below!
What’s the most relatable, ridiculous, or unexpected thing your teen has done lately?
👉 Did they wear shorts in a snowstorm?
👉 Refuse to eat dinner, then make ramen at 2 AM?
👉 Slam a door over something completely random?
Let’s laugh, cry, and survive together. Comment below!
