Many mothers of teenage girls wonder why their daughter seems calm at school but erupts at home. Teens often unconsciously offload overwhelming emotions onto the person they feel safest with—their mom. This article explains why moms often feel like their teen’s emotional punching bag and what to do to stay grounded while supporting your teen.

Many of my therapy clients are thoughtful, capable, and high-achieving people. They put enormous energy, effort, planning, and intentionality into their work. But when it comes to their own lives, their mental health, emotional well-being, and personal growth, that same structure is often missing.

That tension between “I want big things” and “I can barely make it through today” can create a gnawing sense of failure.

Even the most successful professionals can be thrown off course when emotions are left unmanaged