Some of the best times with my oldest daughter are spent around a deck of UNO cards or swapping foodie ideas while cooking together. She is usually an open book who is outgoing, laughs a lot, and likes to spend time with her family. So it struck me as odd when I got home from work one evening and my wife met me at the door. She had just had a new encounter with our soon-to-be teen. My wife got the silent treatment after asking an innocent question. Without saying a word, our daughter’s teenage body language told us so much.

Teenage body language is a jumble of peculiar messages parents must learn to decode. Teens don’t always want to talk, but they are always saying something. Slouched shoulders, angled feet, and more can convey subtle hints and insight into how they’re really feeling. Teenage body language can give parents a window into what teens think and, more importantly, need. Here are 8 things your teen’s body language is telling you.

1. I’m lying.

Fidgeting is a sign of uneasiness usually associated with lying. Moving hands and fingers, tapping a foot, and looking off into the distance could all mean your teen is fibbing.

2. I’m stressed.

Blinking, especially rapidly, is something teens do when they are feeling overly stressed. This can pop up when a teen is dealing with a major problem or worries about something significant at school, work, or with friends. Breathing quickly or rubbing their eyes is another sign your teen is stressed.