Adolescent Emotional Development

It would seem that most adolescents are seen as emotional train wrecks. They are always on a roller coaster of emotions. During 6th period Language Arts, Aisha seems calm, cooperative and engaged. Yet 15 minutes before the bell rings, she is balling her eyes out over something that happened weeks ago? 

Are you kidding me? Typically this would be my response--if I had not already been in Aisha's shoes 16 years ago. So why are these kids so emotional at this age? What can teachers do in the event of an "irrational" outburst?

First, we (professionals) should recognize that although in our stage of development we would not handle things quite the same--  for the adolescents we teach--snap reactions and whirlwind reasoning is essential to their growth and development. 

What does all this mean? We should allow it. We should not force adolescents to be adults because they are not. When they have meltdowns--provided that it does not disrupt or impose physical harm on other students--we should just sit back, grab the popcorn and wait. Wait for the student in question  to let it all out. 

It sounds harsh, but we would be doing them a disservice if we simply coddle and baby them.

 Some days girls will be fly; other days they will cry.

 All in one day.