Moodiness is often related to hormonal changes. These mood swings can be frustrating for parents especially when their offers of sympathy or helpful suggestions are rebuffed. Parents can avoid overreacting if they understand that these unhappy moods are not directed at them personally. Teens are often preoccupied with themselves, a common characteristic of people under stress. They assume that everyone around them is focused on them too.
Teens have fragile egos.
Parents can be helpful by giving their teens tactful grooming tips and by encouraging them to look beyond themselves in some way perhaps by joining an interest group or taking up a new sport or hobby. Talking loudly, pushing and shoving each other, driving too fast or generally being unruly when in a group in public are typical ways they show off. Teens are developing intellectually and testing their mental powers. That's why parents often find themselves in frequent arguments with their teens. Parents may be earnestly trying to get a point across but teens may simply be arguing for the sake of arguing.