8 Friday, September 13, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com I dodged a shoe. It flew out of a closet as my daughter searched for her missing cleat, ranting that it's all my fault until it's found. Then the storm passed. Phew. If you've recently acquired a teenager, you may become entangled in the web of teenage drama. Expect some wild weather systems. One minute, sunny and calm, the next, a full-blown hurricane. The key to survival is understanding the weather patterns. Sunny and calm: This brief window occurs right after your teen wakes up and just before they remember there's school. It's the perfect time to ask them to clean their room or help with chores. Just be prepared for an incoming storm front. Stormy front: This is characterized by eye rolls, groans about homework, and sudden fits of rage over what to wear. The best approach is to back away and seek strong coffee. Afternoon clearing: This is the golden hour. They've come home from school and have temporarily forgotten you're the sworn enemy. Engage in light conversation. But don't be surprised if they suddenly remember that you exist solely to embarrass them. Offering a treat can sometimes extend the calm. Nighttime winds: Mood swings can result in a range communications. They can swing from philosophical questions about the meaning of life to debates over why you've never seen them clean their room to them lamenting over why a teacher loathes them. Then it can drastically switch to a funny story about a friend or classmate. Best advice? Dress in layers. Here are some tricks I use with my daughter, with varying degrees of success. The Jedi mind trick: Speak in calm, soothing tones and use phrases like "I understand." When they accuse you of being completely out of touch, maintain eye contact and respond with a calm nod. Use nostalgia: Mention how you survived high school without social media. This will either make them roll their eyes so hard they risk injury or appreciate your struggle. Either way, it's a win. Text them: Teens have the amazing ability to respond to texts with lightning speed, even if they haven't heard you ask them in person to clean the hockey gear. Consider a survival kit. Air pods are perfect for blocking out the high decibel levels of "I hate you!" Chocolate. Keep it hidden. It's your secret stash for when you need a break from the drama. Assuming they aren't hogging the bathroom, seek sanctuary there. Finally, remember that, sometimes, the best thing is to step back and give your teen some space. Such as when your daughter is immersed in a dramatic monologue about the injustices of a 10 pm hockey practice. May your days be filled with patience and your teen's mood swings be as manageable as a herd of cats in a swimming pool. Wishing you great weather ahead. Brooklin Family Matters: Incoming Weather: Surviving Teen Mood Swings by Leanne Brown