During adolescence, children begin thinking about what they want to do when they go out on their own. They compare themselves to ideals, and they explore different careers. They also begin to make different life choices than they see their parents making. At this time, it’s healthy for them to set important goals for the end of their adolescence and the beginning of their adult lives. Here are three ways to help your teen make wise decisions:
- Help them develop strong friendships with trustworthy peers. Do not choose their friends for them but advise them on the type of friends that will be beneficial for their growth.
- Maintain strong family relationships – trust means influence. The relationship our children have with us will be the other most important factor that influences their consideration of the future.
- Build a personal base of values. The way we teach our children about our values can affect their choices.
We can’t plan our teens’ futures for them. But by helping them build strong friendships with trustworthy peers, building trusting relationships between us and them, and teaching them values, we increase the likelihood that they will make decisions that protect their future.
By Parcsen Loke, Family Life Coach, Centre for Fathering.
Food for Thought: Has your teen shared some of his/her plans for the future with you? What do you like, and what makes you concerned?