A Bit of Advice...

The ability to keep calm in an argument is one of the most powerful tools a teenager can have. It can be the difference between a productive conversation and a shouting match. Sometimes even when you are not the adult you need to be the adult anyways and calmly and carefully explain your “side” of the argument. If it starts to escalate simple things like counting to ten (or maybe more) in your head, taking deep breaths, keeping a neutral face, and saying things like, “please don’t raise your voice at me”, or “please don’t yell at me” (there’s a difference) can bring the argument bac down. Do not underestimate this power. With reasonable adults it is the difference between getting things done and someone ending up in tears. There are occasions where yelling can be helpful or therapeutic. But pick your battles wisely. If you need to actually get your point across, don’t let things escalate.