Teen Emotions: Understanding the Roller Coaster Years

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio Illawarra

Adolescence can feel like an emotional roller coaster—for both teenagers and their parents. From sudden mood swings to risk-taking behaviour and the powerful influence of peers, navigating this stage of life often leaves families wondering how best to cope.

To shed light on this crucial period, parenting and family wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine joined ABC Illawarra to unpack what’s really happening in the teenage brain—and how parents can guide their teens with empathy, patience, and practical strategies.

Want to hear the full conversation? Dr Rosina shares more insights into teen emotions, brain development, peer influence, communication strategies, and family wellbeing in her interview on ABC Illawarra.

Why Teen Emotions Feel So Intense

Hormonal changes, brain development, peer influence, and academic pressures all collide during adolescence. The result? Big emotions without the fully developed skills to manage them. Dr Rosina explains how the teenage brain is still wiring up, with the prefrontal cortex (responsible for logic and reasoning) developing last—making it harder for teens to regulate emotions or predict outcomes.

Communicating When Teens Shut Down

Every parent knows the “cave” moment—when their teen retreats and doesn’t want to talk. Dr Rosina shares practical communication strategies:

• Bond over their interests (even if that means learning fantasy football).

• Listen more than lecture, holding back judgement.

• Choose the right setting, like chatting side-by-side while driving or walking, instead of eye-to-eye confrontations.

Building Coping Strategies and Resilience

Helping teens learn healthy coping strategies is key. Dr Rosina highlights the power of:

• Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and journaling

• Time in nature, exercise, and even safe risk-taking activities like surfing or climbing

• Encouraging independence by asking, “What would you do about that?” rather than stepping in with solutions

The Role of Peers and Values

Peer relationships shape much of a teen’s world. As parents, staying connected means knowing who your child spends time with and creating an open home environment. Dr Rosina emphasises the importance of guiding teens in empathy, values, and decision-making—so they can recognise the difference between positive influence and negative pressure.

When to Seek Professional Help

Mood swings are part of adolescence, but parents should trust their instincts if something feels wrong. Dr Rosina encourages families to seek professional help if they notice red flags such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse—or even just a gut feeling that their teen is struggling. Early support can make all the difference.