Ever asked your teen how they’re feeling only to get a shrug or an eye roll in return?

You’re not alone. Teens often act like they don’t care, but under the surface, big emotions are flooding their system. They just don’t have the tools to process them. And when they don’t have the words or the regulation strategies to deal with all that intensity, they shut down, blow up, or tune out.

Your teen sends an angry text, then regrets it. They lash out in arguments, shutting down when they feel overwhelmed.

Your teen says sorry when someone bumps into them. They agree to things they don’t want to do just to avoid conflict. They feel guilty for setting even the smallest boundaries.

Your teen says yes to a sleepover even though they’re exhausted. They let a friend copy their homework because they don’t want to cause conflict. They never voice their own opinions, always going along with the group.

Have you ever heard your teen say, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” or, “If I feel it, it’ll never stop”? These thoughts can leave them feeling stuck, frustrated, or even ashamed of their emotions. Teens often develop beliefs about emotions based on their environment, culture, or personal experiences, and these beliefs can shape how they handle life’s challenges.

Parenting teens isn’t easy. If you feel like your teen is constantly overwhelmed by emotions or making impulsive decisions, you’re not alone. Many parents share the same concerns: Why can’t my teen pause before reacting? Why do they seem so consumed by what they feel in the moment?

Life as a teenager can be overwhelming. Between academic stress, friendships, and figuring out their identity, teens often experience intense emotions that feel like too much to handle. This is where ACCEPTS comes in—a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skill designed to help manage those emotions by focusing on distraction and self-soothing strategies.

Does it feel like your teen’s phone has taken over their world—and yours? Maybe you’re tired of seeing them glued to their screen or wish for more face-to-face moments without the Snapchat filters. You’re not alone.