Healthy Relationships Utah Teens
March 2022
TEEN TALK
Take a Time Out
From Conflict
When emotions escalate in your relationships, remember this tip! No matter how hard it is, it’s so important to call a time out. Taking a time out gives you and your partner a chance to calm down and reset. The time out skill takes courage, especially if the other person likes to hash things out in the moment. One good way to initiate a time out is by saying, “I want to hear what you’re saying, but I'm feeling overwhelmed. I’m going to take a quick break.” 
 
When you take a time out, it’s tempting to ruminate over how upset the other person made you feel. It’s better to instead explore what you’re feeling and why. Give yourself and your partner the benefit of the doubt. That way, when you talk again, you may be able to have a more calm and productive conversation. You got this! 
QUOTE CORNER
Quotes About the
Love Notes Curriculum
“We had several students say how eye-opening [the class] was for them. Those students also were able to discuss what they learned in their therapy sessions and build on the insights they gained.”

-New Haven Residential Treatment Center
PARENTING TIP
Give Your Angry Brain
a Break
Parent-teen arguments can escalate quickly when our impulsive, reactive, fight-or-flight brain takes over. As a parent, it’s important to know when and how to call a time-out so we don’t say or do things we regret. Time outs are not about sweeping things under the rug. They are about taking control and dealing with things when you can best handle them, and when you have returned to your calmer and more rational, thinking, smart brain.  
 
When a conversation begins to escalate, avoid saying, “You need to chill or “You need a time out.” Saying “you” will just make your teen more defensive. It is better to say, “Our emotions are running high. Let’s both chill a bit and talk when we’re calmer.” Or, “I need some time to think.” Wait at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours for you both to calm down. The time out skill can help reduce and replace negative patterns that are harmful for your parent-teen relationship.   
RESOURCES
HRU Teens Social Media
Check out our social media pages! 
Come watch fun videos about taking a time out, connecting with others, strengthening commitment, surviving a break up, talking after a time out, improving communication, relationship safety, and much more.  

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Did you know? Free classes are offered for singles, couples, parents, and blended families along the Wasatch Front! Anyone can sign up at HealthyRelationshipsUtah.org 
Funding for this program was provided by the OPA Grant: TP1AH000232. Additional support was provided by Utah State University Extension. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the presenters/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders. Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see