4 Teen Tips to Handling Difficult People
Smile - Protect- Let Them - Radiate
When you experience a difficult interaction with someone, it is easy to let that situation ruin your day. However, that person might be experiencing excessive stress or dealing with a triggering event. The difficult behavior can stem from financial problems, sickness, or even mental health issues.
Lesson P, Pausing Paulina from Self-Built Teens, helps students understand that a triggering event can cause childhood trauma to resurface. Paulina lashed out when she believed any type of meanness was directed towards her.
Below are four empowering tools you can use to help you and your teens remain calm and composed in the midst of a difficult moment.
SMILE AT YOURSELF Relax your face and lift the corners of your mouth slightly. The simple practice of smiling can trigger joy and help alleviate stress. You are compassionate!
CREATE A PROTECTIVE SHIELD Visualize a bubble surrounding your personal space. As you inhale, imagine this barrier reflecting toxic energy. As you exhale, smile at yourself and know you are strong, safe, and full of inner power!
LET THEM Let go of control and focus on understanding yourself. Instead of blaming others for making you feel an uncomfortable feeling, know that feelings come and go. Allow people to be who they want to be. You control you and get to know yourself by watching your reactions. This is a favorite podcasts by Mel Robbins that has helped me:
RADIATE YOUR ENERGY Open the muscles around your heart by pulling your upper arms back. Imagine sending love those who might be difficult. Sometimes, they need it the most.
Self-Built Teens is an easy-to-use workbook for counselors, parents, educators, or anyone working with youth. Each life lesson includes a short story with reflective turn-and-talk prompts designed to open communication and build meaningful connections. Every A–Z lesson also includes free movement videos and printable signs available when you sign up here: Self-Built Teens Bonus Lessons
Mindful chair stretches are woven throughout the book to encourage movement, release tension, and re-energize learning. This organized toolkit is filled with engaging activities that inspire growth, create positive shifts, and ignite momentum toward incredible possibilities.
As a district school counselor, Julie Frizzi spent hours listening to teens’ ideas about how to boost connection in schools. These students consistently asked for short movement breaks, reflection time with classmates, and fun icebreaker activities. Self-Built Teens was created with these elements to help build relationships, increase self-awareness, strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop self-management tools.
Find more social-emotional books and resources from Powerful You at Powerful You Website