Life lessons help teenagers power through difficult phases when everything does not seem to be in their favor. Here are some tips on facing the real world to help them analyze any tough situations they may face:
Prioritize your health
Often, teenagers misinterpret what “fun” is. For example, they may think getting drunk or smoking with their pals is what fun looks like. “Living in the moment” only seems fine when you don’t consider the risk of ruining their tomorrow because of it. Therefore, help your teen understand that the implications of their decisions can have a long-term impact on their life.
Stand up for yourself
It is not practical to expect people to be with us and support us in every decision we make. Therefore, teach your teen to be their own cheerleader and stand up for what they believe in. It is not easy in the first instant but can be learned over time. Show them how they can do it. Let them believe in themselves, and then, whatever external support they get can be a bonus.
Being confused is normal
Many teens feel overwhelmed as they grow older because they have not figured out what they want to be in life. This anxiety and fear may push them to make hasty decisions. Hence, tell your teen that it is okay if they have not figured out their life yet, as they have enough time to do.
Opt for things that benefit you
Peer pressure is a prevalent issue in teenage years, causing teens to do the things their peers approve of. However, they should know that making the right decisions for themself is important to shape a better future. For example, choosing to say no in specific situations or enrolling in a less popular but promising course is a step toward building one’s personality.
Uphold your principles
Principles build character. Letting go of their principles changes who they will become. Instead, teach them to stick to their roots and be grounded to see things from the right perspective.
Being unique is good
Each individual is special and different. We all excel at different things; hence, teach them that drawing comparisons with their peers is not a healthy way to judge themselves. Instead, give them the confidence to be themselves.
Earn respect
Respect cannot be demanded; it can only be earned with good deeds, kindness, and honesty. Make them learn from people around them, show them how great leaders earn respect. Be an example for them.
Give respect
Teach them that to gain respect, they must give respect to others. Showing respect does not comprise idealizing someone but treating them the way you’d wish to be treated.
Outgrowing people is natural
We lose friendships as we move on in life. But in adolescence, it is hard to accept that we have to part with a friend we dearly love. Kids believe that they make friendships that stay ‘forever;’ hence, when they break for some reason, it is difficult to accept it. Hence, tell them that it is okay to let go sometimes because you cannot force people to be a part of your life. Reassure them that they will find multiple opportunities to make new friends in the future.
Show gratitude
Being thankful for what they have rather than pitying themselves for what they don’t will change their perspective. Teenage children should be taught that everything is not measurable on the same scale, and each one lives in different situations. Hence, showing gratitude for the comforts they have been blessed with is the right approach to life.
Be responsible
Give them household responsibilities. Talk to them about family finances, how they are spent, the savings being made, etc. Let them know how their parents strive to give them a good life. Let them go out and see the real world. This will not only make them responsible but also acquainted with reality.
Stay humble
Teach teenagers to respect their roots. No matter their achievements, they should stay connected to their loved ones and respect them the same way. The higher they grow, the more grounded they should be.
Don’t hesitate to apologize
Saying sorry when one is wrong does not make them look foolish. On the contrary, a person who apologizes and accepts their mistakes learns more and improves. Teenagers should be taught that stubbornness only restricts their learning. To grow, they need to accept their mistakes and overcome them.
Observe and learn from mistakes
Much can be gained by observing the mistakes of others and learning from them. Experience and exposure are the biggest teachers in life. The more they observe, the more they will learn.
Stand tall
Confidence is the key to a strong personality. A confident teenager can grow at a better pace than one who’s still in their shell. Thus, encourage them to explore themselves and learn new skills to gain more confidence.
Be street smart
Education can only help an individual to a certain extent. However, learning to think on your feet is a real-life skill. It can be developed with exposure and help things work out in their favor.
Stand by your moral instincts
More often than not, your conscience will show you the right way and help you deal with certain circumstances. Teenagers should learn that there are no shortcuts in life, and everything comes at a cost. Therefore, compromising on their morals will not bring them real happiness.
Practice fair work ethics
Setting their principles straight and working toward their goals in a fair manner should be their priority. Even if using unfair means may help them achieve their goals in a shorter period, they should choose fair work ethics over everything.
Don’t give up
Setbacks are a part of life, but we may feel tempted to give up on everything we have worked for. However, if we don’t keep going, we might fall short of fulfilling our dreams. Therefore, teenagers need to be motivated to keep going in difficult circumstances.
Laugh a little louder and love a little harder
Teenage is a phase where children are exposed to multiple complex situations. Teach them that pushing through life with a smile on their face and people they love beside them makes things a tad easier.
Be a good listener to understand better
Cutting people short and interrupting them to make a point are disrespectful to the person speaking. By becoming good listeners, they will learn to pick things up faster. It will also make their personality more appealing because there are few good listeners.
Source: www.momjunction.com
