6 Tools for Stressed Moms Dealing with Teen Drama

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1. Time to Pray

The best tool moms need to use when dealing with teen drama is to pray. Taking time each day to pray can do wonders for your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pray for your teen and any concerns you may have. It is painful to see your teen going through drama; oftentimes, there is bullying involved. This was certainly true for me. Listening to constant drama can be exhausting, which is why it is essential to take time to get away by yourself to pray.

The Bible instructs us to cast our anxieties on the Lord, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Bring all your concerns, worries, and troubles to Him. Share with Him the teen drama your child is experiencing and ask for His guidance. Navigating teen drama can be tricky, but it is possible. With God, He can give you proper guidance, advice, and encouragement (Psalm 119:105). Even though your teen might become embarrassed by you getting involved, sometimes this is the best route to take.

Seek out advice and guidance from God. Often, He will lead you to action. Teen drama is not healthy and can lead to long-term problems for your teen. Whether they are part of the drama or are only witnessing it, it can affect them. Pray for God to give you insight into all these things and to direct your steps. Lean on Him rather than your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2. Strength to Talk with Your Teen

Similar to how my mom had to talk with me about ending the drama, you will need to talk with your own teen. Removing them from the situation will ensure the drama ends. This might involve asking your teen to switch classes or to bring them home to be homeschooled. While this may sound severe, it is sometimes necessary. Some schools are full of teen drama and bullying to the point that it can become a nightmare for your teen.

Teenagers are very impressionable individuals; therefore, moms might need to remove them from the situation before worse drama happens. High school is a particularly terrible time, as many teens are old enough to use their words to do harm rather than good. If your teen is the victim of bullying due to drama, consider taking them out of school and bringing them home. This will take a lot of strength to talk about, but it’s important.

Even if your teen insists that they do not want to be homeschooled, you still need to talk with your teen. Sit down and discuss the drama that is happening. If their behavior is troublesome, bring it to their attention. In the same way, if the drama is causing them to fall behind in school, also share this with your teen. Listen to what they have to say, but also establish your boundaries.

Help them to know that real friends do not cause drama or bully others. Ensure they understand this prior to ending the conversation. This is a valuable learning opportunity for your teen; they need to understand that genuine friends will not create drama. We don’t need drama to bond with others. Share any personal experience you have, and make sure your teen knows they need to remove themselves from the drama.

3. People of Authority at the School

Talking with people of authority at school can also be a tool for stressed moms dealing with teen drama. Talking with people of authority can help you feel more validated and seen. Chances are, the teachers, the principal, and the vice principal have also witnessed the teen drama occurring throughout the school's halls. Find support in them as well as encouragement. Ask them to keep an eye on your teen and to help them if they are being bullied.

Many teens might find this embarrassing, but it is what is best for their overall well-being. Being in a state of drama all the time will hurt their mental health and cause them to doubt themselves. Enlisting the help of people of authority at school will help prevent this from happening. It will also help the teachers, the principal, and the vice principal become aware of the problems that are going on if they are not currently aware. A student counselor might even be able to help your teen and provide additional support.

4. Talking with Other Moms

While my mom never enjoyed talking to other moms, it can be a great tool to help when you are feeling stressed. Other teenage mothers will be able to validate your feelings and provide a safe space for you to vent. You need time to express your feelings, and this might be something other moms can relate to. They are going through their own teen drama, and they will also appreciate someone to listen to their own troubles.

When you share your feelings, ensure the person you're sharing with is a trustworthy individual. You don’t need to confide in just anyone. Confiding in the wrong person could backfire. Choose to confide in a mom you have known for a while. Maybe this is one of your teen’s friends' moms. By talking with her, you will be able to address the issue at hand and lean on one another for support.

5. The Power of Connection with Your Teen

Stressed moms need to remember that at the end of the day, their teen is still their baby. Moms don’t need to take their stress out on their teen struggling with drama. Instead, you need to build connection and trust with your teen. Sadly, many teens drift away from their moms, but you can start pulling them back to you. There is beauty in the power of connection with your teen.

Being a safe place and a source of connection for your teen will help them begin to trust and listen to you. This will take time. Teens tend to be more influenced by their peers rather than by their parents, but this can change. Be more involved in your teen’s life and work on building a strong connection with them. Remember that your teen loves you, even if they get upset at times.

6. Finding Added Support in Your Husband

Dads don’t need to think they are out of the picture when it comes to drama. Dads can be great resources to help moms dealing with teen drama. Find support in your husband and enlist his help in difficult matters. You can find support in your husband by sharing your feelings, thoughts, and worries about the teen drama at hand. Although dads can have a tough time understanding drama, try your best to convey the severity of the situation to your husband.

Allow your husband to also help give your mind a break by going out for date nights and spending quality time together. This alone can be a stress reliever and equip you with the resources you need to face teen drama. Don’t forget the help your husband can provide in this troublesome situation. Have your husband discuss this with your teen and allow him to offer any thoughtful advice, support, or direction.

It could be if your teen is not opening up to you or listening to you, that they might open up and listen to your husband. While this can be hurtful, try to not take things personally. Choose to know the truth that your teen loves you—it could be that they are just struggling right now. Find support in your husband and allow him to help in the teen drama that is abounding in the household.

I cannot promise that teen drama will end, but these tools can help you navigate this challenging season. The good news is that the teen years will end, and your child will mature. They will learn who their loyal friends are and appreciate how much their parents helped them through a tough time.

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