How do you deal with drama tweens?
Kids at the drama teen age are just starting to define their own identity. But – at the same time = they “need” to be part of a group.
It’s confusing. If you add to this the hormone rage that is bubbling up inside them, you can see the serious theatrics coming. And this is especially true about the budding young ladies.
Sometimes the best “policy” is to choose your battles. To the teen, anything you say is probably “OK” (hence their favorite “whatever” attitude) but what you really want to do is get a conversation going, not just get approval. Is there a trick to it? Make sure everything about the conversation is about her, stay calm and show empathy. He or she may really want someone to help them to understand their feelings but they don’t even know how to ask. If your efforts met with tears and slamming doors, just walk away until the hormone rage settles down.
Remember that tweens don’t plan their behavior. Usually it is the culmination of lots of factors that aren’t your fault – even if the temporary anger is directed at you. It may upset them even more than you (even though they may not admit it) when they ensue with their drama. If you can be patient, you may have a better chance at easing them out of their drama instead of adding fuel to it.
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