The culture of the Moody Teen

Once your kids reach the teen years, all ideas of respect, friendliness, or decent conversation can be forgotten, Even getting a simple "yes" or "no", without the eye-roll or sigh should be considered a victory. You can call it mood swings, hormones, or school stress, but let's be honest, it's just plain disrespectful.

It's hard to get people to smile into a camera these days, what with the mask

So what can you do? I tried being the same way back to them, which doesn't work the way I want it to. It gets more frustrating and results in a silent stand-off which could last days (teens apparently don't feel bad and hardly have a sense of guilt toward their parents).

I think communication, like in Western cultures, is probably the best approach. Asking them if they are ok, need help, or require support and encouragement. But you are quite likely to get a dose of good ol' Eastern blank stares and silent treatment as a response.

I'll keep at it and let you know what else doesn't work.