The words teens and trouble go hand-in-hand for a reason. Teenagers, more often than not, go through several challenges in their journey to figure themselves out. While that is completely natural, we, as parents, can actually take steps to help them along. I’m trying to prep as I enter the ‘tween’ stage with my oldest. Here is what you can do to raise a well-rounded teen and make sure that your child grows up to be a responsible adult who is as sensitive as educated.
Supporting Academic Achievements
When it comes to academic achievement, there are a few things parents can do to support their teens. First, it’s important to have an open line of communication with your child’s teachers and school staff. This can help you stay informed about your teen’s progress and any areas where they might need extra help.
It’s also a good idea to encourage healthy study habits, such as setting aside dedicated study time, creating a quiet study space, and minimizing distractions like phones or TV. Helping with homework and assignments is another way to show support and help your teen succeed.
Remember, every teen learns differently, so it’s important to be patient and understanding if your child is struggling. With your support and encouragement, your teen can achieve academic success and reach their full potential.
Encouraging physical activity
Encouraging physical activity is an essential aspect to raising a well-rounded teen. It’s important and beneficial for your teen’s overall health and well-being. However, getting teens to exercise can be a challenge. The good news is there are many ways to make physical activity fun and engaging for your teen.
First, help your teen find an activity they enjoy. This could be anything from team sports to dancing or hiking. Encourage them to try different activities until they find one they love. Despite many kids liking to play sports, the Centers for Disease Control reports that only 55.6% of them actually do. It is almost shocking, considering how beneficial and fun sports can be at the same time. Even if they may not want to play competitively, there are often clubs or local gyms where they can participate for fun.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, manage weight and muscle gain, strengthen the nervous system, and make kids simply more well-rounded adults. Therefore, as a parent, you should always encourage your kids to spend as much spare time in physical activities as possible.
Educational Programs Abroad
Educational programs abroad can provide your teen with unique opportunities to learn, grow, and experience new cultures. These programs can be especially beneficial for teens who are looking to expand their horizons and gain a new perspective on their place in this world. There are several of these programs out there that are specifically designed to be of developmental assistance to teenagers.
Masa Israeli is one such program. It is primarily focused on Jewish teenagers who want to connect with their heritage. Through a Masa Israel journey, a teen spends from a few weeks to a few months in Israel, learning about their people’s history, participating in group activities, and helping the people around them. It is a great opportunity for kids to receive education and sensitization at the same time.
However, there are also many similar programs that are accessible to kids of any religion or ethnicity. Some schools or colleges have opportunities your child can take advantage of as well. Before enrolling in any program, it’s important to research the options and ensure that the program aligns with your child’s goals and interests. You should also consider the costs and logistics of the program, as well as any safety concerns.
Building Life Skills
Building life skills is an important aspect if you want to raise a well-rounded teen. Life skills can include things like time management, problem-solving, communication, and financial literacy.
One of the best ways to help your teen develop life skills is to give them opportunities to practice them. For example, you could encourage your teen to take on more responsibility around the house, such as doing their own laundry or cooking dinner once a week. This can help them develop important skills like time management, organization, and basic cooking skills.
According to American Pacific International School, there are 21 life skills that every kid should learn. These include first aid, navigational and communication skills, time management, and decision-making skills, along with the usual grooming and cooking. But arguably, the most important skill to learn in today’s rapidly changing job market is picking up new skills quickly and discarding the old useless ones as needed.
You could also encourage your teen to take part in extracurricular activities or volunteer work. These experiences can help them develop valuable communication and teamwork skills, as well as a sense of empathy and compassion for others.
Fostering Emotional Well-being
Fostering emotional well-being is crucial for your teen’s overall health and happiness. Emotional well-being involves things like self-awareness, stress management, and positive relationships with others.
According to Polaris Teen Center, one in five teenagers in America suffer from at least one mental health condition. While unfortunate, it is a manageable problem. Parents can take simple steps like maintaining an open channel of communication with their kids and encouraging them to socialize with people around them. Practicing meditation, yoga, or similar relaxation exercises can also be of immense benefit.
Being emotionally well-rounded as a kid will, in all likelihood, lead to a more meaningful life as an adult. But do remember that some teenagers often develop more complex or serious mental health problems, and in that case, you should absolutely seek the help of a trained medical professional.
Promoting Independence & Responsibility
Promoting independence and responsibility is an important part of helping your teen develop into a mature adult. One way to promote independence is to give your teen opportunities to make decisions and take on responsibilities. This could involve things like managing their own schedule, budgeting their own money, or taking public transportation on their own.
Psychology Today writes that a good way to teach a teen responsibility is to treat it like a contract. Essentially, they can have more freedom only if they also take up the associated responsibility. But mistakes are also an important part of growing up. Therefore, when they inevitably make one, it is better to treat them as equals and focus on the lesson by being firm but understanding instead of scolding them.
If you want to raise a well-rounded teen there are many aspects to think about as a parent. But there is still a way to do it right. While the trick lies in being sensitive to your child’s needs and deciding what to do accordingly, there are some steps that are generally believed to be of help to everyone. Hopefully you were able to find value and insight on how to raise a well-rounded teen.