Calming the Waters

Regardless of what might set off an angry teen---feeling hurt, wronged, embarrassed, or ashamed---the de-escalation process starts with a caring, empathetic ear.  Someone who will listen attentively to a student's grievance without judging the reaction---or overreaction---to it.  Only after the student has settled down physically and emotionally is he or she able to see the situation with a little more objectivity, to consider additional interpretations of what happened, and to look at alternative ways of handling it next time.  One of the most important---and practical---functions of the school is teaching teenagers to manage their anger and respect one another, no matter how trying the circumstances.