Overcoming the Silent Treatment

“What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Something seems wrong. What’s wrong?” If it feels like your teen has suddenly hit the figurative mute button, rewind and think about what you said before they kicked off the silent treatment. Even if your efforts come from a loving place—trying to help or understand your teen’s world—you need to understand that teens withdraw into silence temporarily when they feel annoyed. Fix the situation by easing off the questions for the moment, giving them a chance to use their coping strategies, and making yourself available when they’re ready to talk.

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