Is It Just a Phase? Understanding the Ups and Downs
Mood Swings & Outbursts: 3-Step Test Before You Worry Dr. Janet Patton
Did your child just experience an intense mood swing or emotional outburst that caught you off guard? Here’s the good news - strong emotional reactions are an expected part of growing up.
Children are still developing the skills to manage their feelings, whether they appear as tears, anger, withdrawal, or shifting quickly between emotions. What feels concerning in the moment is often just part of their developmental journey.
Things to Think About:
Frequency: How often do these emotional shifts happen? Occasionally or several times daily?
Intensity: How powerful was the reaction? Temporary sadness or completely overwhelmed?
Duration: How long did it last? Moments, hours? Has this pattern been continuing for weeks?
Key Takeaways: A single intense emotional reaction rarely signals a problem. Look for patterns over time rather than isolated incidents. Trust your instincts, but remember that learning to understand and manage emotions is a journey that takes years.
Mood Swings & Outbursts: 3-Step Test Before You Worry Dr. Janet Patton
Did your child just experience an intense mood swing or emotional outburst that caught you off guard? Here’s the good news - strong emotional reactions are an expected part of growing up.
Children are still developing the skills to manage their feelings, whether they appear as tears, anger, withdrawal, or shifting quickly between emotions. What feels concerning in the moment is often just part of their developmental journey.
Things to Think About:
Frequency: How often do these emotional shifts happen? Occasionally or several times daily?
Intensity: How powerful was the reaction? Temporary sadness or completely overwhelmed?
Duration: How long did it last? Moments, hours? Has this pattern been continuing for weeks?
Key Takeaways: A single intense emotional reaction rarely signals a problem. Look for patterns over time rather than isolated incidents. Trust your instincts, but remember that learning to understand and manage emotions is a journey that takes years.
BelayTM content is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for one-on-one therapy or medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or replace the relationship with a medical expert. If you are in crisis or have an emergency, please call 911 or the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988
