The U.S. Census Bureau estimated in 2017 that there were 41 million teenagers in the United States.

Any parent can tell you that those kids — who make up 13 percent of the country’s overall population — can be very confusing at times.

It’s not just the teenage angst or rebellion that confounds their parents, either. For some, it’s the jarring mood swings that are tough to predict and navigate.

But there are usually reasons for your teen’s moodiness, and you should pay attention. Sometimes, they can be a sign of a deeper issue.

Why Is My Teenager Having Mood Swings?

There are plenty of potential reasons for mood swings in teens. Go through this list to see if any fit your adolescent son or daughter.

1. Puberty

It could just be that your teenager is going through puberty. Hormones flare in their bodies and, sometimes, they don’t know how to manage the feeling. So, they feel overwhelmed — and parents have to deal with a moody teen because of it.

You can help assuage puberty-caused mood swings by ensuring your son or daughter knows what’s going on in their body. There are plenty of online resources to help them understand the changes through which they will go.

2. Stress

Teenagers have a lot on their plates. They feel social pressures in high school. And they also know that they have to do well in their classes and on standardized tests to get into college.

That can be a lot for a teenager to bear. So, if your child seems to be a moody teen, they might actually be stressed and exhausted from all the hard work.

3. Sleep Deprivation

Teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each night. If your son or daughter isn’t getting enough shut-eye, then they might start showing it through their moodiness.

Encourage your child to get enough sleep by scheduling their extracurriculars, homework and study time well. Time management will help them in college and the real world. Instilling it in them now can help them overcome teenage mood swings by ensuring they have ample time to rest.

4. Problems at School

Mood swings may be the result of a social struggle. Maybe your child is having a tough time fitting in at school. They might not want to open up to you, but it’s worth a shot — a conversation could help them calm down and feel less moody.

In rare cases, there could be something even more sinister going on. Sexual abuse at school does happen, and it can cause an otherwise inexplicable shift in mood in your child. Learn more about it and what you can do on this page.

Bring Back Your Happy Teen

Mood swings are part of life — even the happiest people have them. But by better understanding your child and their needs, you can help them fight these feelings of moodiness. And there’s nothing better than feeling like you and your family are in harmony once again.

Need more parenting advice? Check out the lifestyle section of our site for all our best tips and tricks.