“They Just Don’t Listen!” – Navigating Teenage Behaviour at Home

Sam Abraham
Jun 10
3 min read

Parenting a teenager can sometimes feel like trying to hug a cactus – you want to show love, but it often ends up prickly.

We hear it all the time from parents in our community: "She slams her door and won’t come out. ”He talks to me like I’m the enemy.”“They ignore the rules, no matter how many times I remind them.”

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not alone. The teen years are full of changes – not just for our young people, but for us as parents too. That’s why at Incredibly Elev8ed CIC, we’ve created safe, supportive spaces for families to explore what’s really going on behind the outbursts, the silences, and the eye rolls.

Real Life, Real Challenges

Let’s take Sarah, for example. A mum of three, she told us how her once-chatty daughter, Mia, turned 14 and overnight became a whirlwind of moods, resistance, and refusal to come to family dinner.

“I was walking on eggshells. I didn’t want to push her away,” Sarah shared during a Teen Triple P session. “But I also couldn’t ignore the shouting matches and the skipped homework.”

By learning a few key strategies and having the support of our Parent Elev8ors – other parents who’ve been there, done that – Sarah found a new rhythm at home. She even told us, “We still have our moments, but we talk more now. I’ve stopped trying to control everything, and that’s helped both of us breathe.”

Why Teens Act Out

Teenagers are testing boundaries, trying to assert independence, and navigating intense emotional and brain development – all while figuring out who they are. It’s tough for them. And yes, it’s tough for us too.

Parents often tell us their top worries include:

Backchat and disrespect
Constant screen use
Mood swings and isolation
Poor school engagement
Risky behaviour or peer pressure
Sibling battles
Refusing family time or chores

What can help? Predictable routines, clear limits, calm communication – and support.

10 Top Tips for Calmer Teenage Days at Home

Pick Your Battles – Not every eye roll needs a response. Save your energy for the things that really matter.
Set Clear Rules and Consequences – Teens respect consistency, even if they don’t admit it.
Stay Calm During Conflict – Breathe, pause, and then respond. Modelling emotional control teaches more than shouting ever will.
Show Interest in Their World – Ask about their music, their games, or their mates. Even five minutes of connection can make a big difference.
Use Praise – Catch them doing something right. Teens still need to feel valued and noticed.
Give Them Choices – Empower them with age-appropriate decisions. It builds trust and independence.
Stick to Routines – Bedtimes, meal times, screen limits – teens still benefit from structure (even if they fight it).
Avoid Power Struggles – If it turns into a tug-of-war, nobody wins. Step back and regroup later.
Listen Without Judging – Be a sounding board, not a courtroom. They need to know it’s safe to talk to you.
Reach Out for Support – Don’t do this alone. There are people who care and understand.

You’re Not Alone – Let’s Talk

Our Parent Elev8ors are here for you. These are real parents who’ve walked this road and are happy to lend a listening ear, share their insights, or simply remind you that you’re doing better than you think.

📧 Email us: parents@incrediblyelev8ed.com📞 Call us: 0208 918 1567

We believe in calm, confident parenting – and that starts with feeling supported.

Let’s create homes that are more connected, less chaotic, and full of small wins – one day (and one deep breath) at a time.

At Incredibly Elev8ed, we run Teen Triple P – an evidence-based, practical parenting programme that helps you better understand your teen and feel more confident handling the day-to-day challenges. And if you just need someone who gets it?