It is disorienting, as a parent, to go from your chatty child who tells you about every minute detail of their life to a distant teenager who doesn’t want anything to do with you. Sometimes, teens can take this to the extreme and give you the silent treatment.
Teens give their parents the silent treatment for a few reasons
- They may assume we can’t handle what they are going to say. (Often, they are right about this. If your teen frequently gives you the silent treatment, check out these communication tips).
- They may not have the words to say how they feel. (This is developmentally appropriate)
- They are seeking independence. “If I share everything with my parents, that means I’m not independent.”
- They are going through a deeply impactful emotional experience and don’t know how to relate to themselves or the world.
Silence can be a beautiful, normal, and even sacred experience. We appreciate the following Amor Towles quote…
“Silence can be a form of protest. It can be a means of survival. But it can also be a school of poetry—one with its own meter, tropes, and conventions. One that needn’t be written with pencils or pens; but that can be written in the soul with a revolver to the chest.”
― Amor Towles
It is normal for teens to think that they’re the only ones who have ever had the unique thoughts that they are having. Usually, because of this, they feel strange, confused, and like something is wrong with them. Teens can torture themselves ongoingly with thoughts like “What would a normal 15-year-old do in this situation?” or “What should someone who looks like me be thinking right now?” Sometimes, when teens go silent, it is a way for them to work through this type of comparison and find out who they are and develop their self-concept.
What you can do if your teen is giving you the silent treatment
- Make it safe for them to talk (no threats, lectures, or telling them they are wrong or bad).
- Do not try and force them to talk. This often pushes them further away.
- You can ask, “Did I hurt your feelings?” or “Are you mad at me right now?”
- Trust that they will tell you when they’re ready.
Sometimes teens go quiet if they have lied or have done something they know they shouldn’t have. Your teen may be ashamed and not want to admit it. If they do come clean, instead of berating them, stay calm. Say something like “That is sad. I’m glad you shared it with me. How can I help you?” This kind of response keeps communication lines open. This is so important – you want your teen to be able to talk to you about challenging, scary and painful experiences.
Boundaries
Remember, you are also able to share your limits with your teen around their behavior. If your teen asks you for something after having given you the silent treatment for days, feel free to respond with something like… “We haven’t spoken in days, and I am worried about you. I would be happy to give you the car if we can touch base about how you are doing first. Take your time; I’ll be available when you’re ready.”
Routine alone time
We recommend that parents have routine alone time with their teens each week. This time can look like joining a parent-teen sport, going on a walk, grabbing tea together, going to the gym, volunteering, gardening, or playing a game. Whether it’s during the activity or on the drive home, this routine time is a good place to check in if you are worried. It can also reassure your teen that if they ever don’t know how to tell you something, they will have an opportunity to talk to you in a safe and private place if they need to.
Antelope Recovery can help with your communication
It’s not uncommon for teenagers to resort to the silent treatment as a way of expressing their frustrations or seeking independence. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and applying the strategies of setting clear boundaries and fostering routine alone time, you can gradually improve communication and create a more harmonious atmosphere at home. Remember, at Antelope Recovery, we understand the challenges of parenting and offer support services that can help your family navigate these complexities. If you find that communication with your teenager remains challenging, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards strengthening the bond between you and your teen and ensuring a healthier, happier family dynamic.