The teenage years are among the most challenging times for any parent. Nevertheless, this transition period offers a unique opportunity to prepare them for adulthood. Here are nine life lessons you can teach your teen to ensure he or she thrives despite the rigors of the real world.
1. You are responsible for what you say and do
The closer someone approaches adulthood, the more important it becomes to follow what they say and understand the consequences of what they do.
This lesson teaches them to be more aware of their behavior and commitments, as mistakes at this stage are significantly more difficult to correct. It also teaches them to think about the consequences of their actions for others around them.
2. Don’t use social media as a crutch
About 75% of American teens actively use social media. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it still makes you wonder what they’re doing there. Unfortunately, most platforms have become a crutch that people use to escape reality. They seek validation from strangers who know nothing about what they are going through.
This gap between reality and expectation can have adverse mental health consequences. It’s no wonder that teens spend the most time on social media have a significantly higher rate of depression.
3. Acquire essential skills now
Swimming, cooking, cleaning, survival, basic etiquette, financial management: there is no shortage of essential life skills your teen will need to acquire before they can venture out into the real world. Teach them as much as you can while they are still under your roof. The sooner they learn, the better it is for their self-confidence and abilities.
4. Reckless behavior is too expensive
Younger adults are more likely to engage in frivolous or reckless activities, but the consequences can be brutal. Teenage drivers, for example are three times as likely involved in fatal traffic accidents.
Many teenagers over the years have ended up behind bars or are heavily indebted as a result of ill-conceived and dangerous pranks. They can never get back the wasted time that will likely affect their future.
5. Humility will open doors that talent cannot
The quality of being humble is underrated, yet it is something great people possess. It teaches you to accept that you don’t know everything, leaving you open to learning from the most unlikely sources.
It also helps to maintain personal relationships and encourage self-reflection – an important trait to acquire early in life.
6. Know what to do in legal situations
Scenarios involving police, courts, or other legal issues are difficult to navigate as adults. Learning as a teenager what to do in such situations is the key to preventing headaches later in life. Teach them the basic principles of protecting their rights and standing up for themselves even during routine traffic stops and searches.
7. Don’t make a habit of worrying about things you have no control over
It’s common for teens and young adults to rant to strangers on the Internet about things they disagree with. Helping your teen understand the symptoms will only make him feel worse if no action is taken, especially if there are issues outside his control. As they get older, they will get much better for it.
8. Make sure you have a variety of knowledge
Ask most teens about their favorite celebrities and they can go on for hours. However, ask them basic geography questions and you’re likely to encounter awkward laughter or prolonged silence. As much as they hate school, these lessons will give them the foundation for success in whatever career they choose.
Even worse, celebrity worship has been linked to a… numerous psychological problems, including depression, reduced social skills and compulsive materialism. While there’s nothing wrong with being passionate about a famous person, we recommend that you also spend time exploring topics that enrich their knowledge of the world.
9. Learn to laugh at yourself
Being offended about every little thing will only make you more miserable. Teach your teen the importance of having a sense of humor so he or she can navigate difficult situations. Humor protects against depression and improves people’s overall quality of life.
It is also essential for successful relationships. A six-test study found that most people preferred a partner with a sense of humor because they are probably better at creative problem solving.
Prepare your teen for the real world
Sooner or later, your teen will face the realities of adulthood. There is no better time than now to prepare them for what lies ahead.
Use these life lessons as a starting point and add some teachable moments from your personal experiences. They’ll thank you for it as they use the knowledge to navigate real-world challenges.
Author biography
Oscar Collins is editor-in-chief of Modified, where he writes about health, fitness and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work.
