Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your teen’s behaviour? Do you react in ways you later regret? You may be experiencing emotional triggers, and recognising them can be the key to transforming your relationship with your teen.
What Are Emotional Triggers?
Emotional triggers are unconscious reactions shaped by past experiences. These could stem from childhood memories, past traumas, or deeply ingrained societal beliefs. When your teen’s behaviour—like defiance, backtalk, or leaving a mess—triggers unresolved emotions, you might overreact without realising why.
Introducing: The Emotional Triggers Journal
Journaling for parents is a powerful tool for self-awareness and intentional parenting. It helps you identify patterns, understand emotions, and make conscious changes. Here’s how to use it effectively:
1. Record the Trigger
Write down what happened, being as specific as possible.
Example: “My son left his shoes all over the living room, and I snapped at him.”
2. Identify the Root Cause
Ask yourself: What exactly triggered you? Did it remind you of feeling disrespected as a child? Did it stir up fears about their safety? Did it tap into your own anxieties about cleanliness or control?
3. Reflect on Your Reaction
How did you respond? Did you yell, withdraw, or criticise? What impact did your reaction have? Did it escalate the situation or damage your parent-teen connection?
4. Explore Alternative Responses
Consider how you could respond differently next time. Could you take a deep breath? Use “I” statements to express your feelings without blame? Try to understand the deeper reasons behind your teen’s behaviour.
Journal Template Example
Why Journaling Helps:
✅ Increases Self-Awareness – Helps you understand your emotional responses on a deeper level.
✅ Improves Communication – Equips you with healthier ways to express your feelings.
✅ Strengthens Your Relationship – Encourages a more positive, understanding connection with your teen.
Start Your Journaling Practice Today
Start today! Grab a notebook or use a journaling app—you’ll be surprised at the insights you gain and the positive impact it can have on your family.
