Motivating a teenager might sound like pulling teeth. Teens are stereotypically notorious for having some kind of “attitude” and thinking they know everything. Whether that sounds like your high school student or not, it’s definitely not uncommon for teens to feel unmotivated at times.
Because we live in a world where money is needed to survive, Latte Lindsay runs a number of affiliate programmes and offers contributed or partnered content. If you choose to click the links and read the posts, the site may earn a commission or receives a payment. All of the opinions are my own. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any partner brands/company(s), beauty & lifestyle brands, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities unless specified.
Maybe they’re “over” school, struggling in their personal lives, or maybe their mental health is at stake. That’s become even more problematic during the COVID-19 pandemic. So much so, that even the CDC has weighed in on the mental health effects of this pandemic for kids and teens, suggesting it could be extra stressful for them.
So, what can you do to motivate your teenager and help them to accomplish their goals while seeing the “good” each day has to offer? Let’s look at a few helpful tips that won’t just make you an annoying parent, but a built-in support system.
Listen to Them
One of the best things you can do is listen to your teen. They may not always want to talk, but that’s usually because they feel misunderstood. You should never force a conversation. But, make sure they know you’re always available to talk and encourage it whenever possible. Once your teenager feels comfortable and knows they can be vulnerable without judgment, they’re more likely to open up.
Sometimes, the reason they’re unmotivated is that they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Being able to talk to someone about it can make a big difference, so do what you can to be that person.
Boost Their Confidence
Teenagers often struggle with self-confidence, even if it doesn’t come across that way. Your teen might be unmotivated because they’re dealing with insecurities. So, make sure they always know you believe in them. That doesn’t mean you need to boost their ego or make them feel like they’re better than everyone else. But, if something is important to your teen, talk to them about how proud you are. Compliment them on their achievements and show the genuine pride you have for them whenever possible.
If you can make sure your teenager is confident, chances are motivation will soon follow. If you don’t feel like you’re the right person for that job, consider taking your child to see a motivational speaker, like Joy Profet, who specializes in connecting with teens and youths.
Break Down Their Goals
Teens tend to have a lot on their plates. They’re dealing with hormonal changes, school, friendship issues, and even budding relationships. Everything they’re dealing with can make them feel overwhelmed and unmotivated very easily. But it’s not impossible motivate your teenager again.
So, work with them to break down their goals into smaller pieces. Talk to your teen about the things they want to accomplish. While it’s important for them to focus on the big picture, you can help them get there by breaking things down into smaller sections. Those small goals don’t feel as daunting, so your teen is more likely to work toward them without getting burnt out. When they accomplish one, it will boost their motivation to continue even more.
As you can see, it doesn’t have to be impossible to motivate your teenager. All it takes is a little creativity, listening, and understanding to make a real difference.