What is Typical Adolescent Behavior?

Young adults are known for being difficult, non-communicative, moody, and rude. If these behaviors are observed from time to time, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Your teenager is in a phase of life where they are trying to gain independence from authorities - often parents and school. They could also have a small identity crisis where they are figuring out who they are (and who they want to be).

If you have a strained relationship with your child or teenager, assess how their friends and other people in their school dress, act, and behave. Oftentimes teenage behaviors are normal and a nonissue, but if the adolescent’s behavior results in difficulty keeping up in school, problems being a part of the family, having friends, or engaging in social activities, then it may be time to consult with appropriate professionals.

Common Behaviors in Adolescents

Exploring and trying new identities
Becoming argumentative and talking back
Increased curiosity in sexual development
Testing limits and becoming more independent
Becoming more self-absorbed
Finding new role models
Frustration in rules and limitations
Physical awkwardness during puberty

When it’s a Real Problem

There are serious behavioral emotional disorders that can occur in children and teens. If they becoming serious, one could show patterns of violence and display problems with authority. As noted above it’s not uncommon for teens to behave in a problematic way on occasion, or for a short period, but when it becomes long lasting or disrupts the child's everyday life, it could be a disorder that needs professional help to manage.

Symptoms and Signs for a Behavioral Disorder

Mood issues - very irritable, throwing tantrums, cursing and being spiteful, with little to no remorse
Aggressive behavior - threatening to, or actually causing, physical harm to others
Destructive behavior - destroying property, vandalism, fire-setting
Deceitful behavior - repeated lying, stealing from home
Disregard for the law - breaking into homes or cars, shoplifting
Violating rules of society - skipping school, running away, drug or alcohol use at an early age

Treatment

If your family has a problem at home, whether it's very serious or just an inconvenience you would like to resolve, we at La Jolla Healing Center offer treatment. Sometimes all that is needed is an outside view to make parties understand each other. We can offer both family counseling as well as private therapy.