By Dr. Michelle Smith, Ph.D.

University of Kentucky

Growing up has never been easy. Being a teenager can feel like a roller coaster. One minute life is fun, and the next it feels like everything is falling apart.

Teens today face pressure to wear the right clothes, make the right friends and get good grades — all while their bodies and minds are changing. Mood swings, eye rolls and even slammed doors may be part of the territory, but how can adults know when those behaviors are typical and when they might signal something more serious?

What’s normal?

Most teens go through phases where they seem moody or pull away from their family. They may want more time alone, get annoyed easily orhave reactions that may seem too strong for the situation. . These shifts can be frustrating for parent

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