Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

01-10-2022

Direct Teen Exploration in Positive Ways

Teens are explorers. They want to try new activities. They are anxious to meet new friends. They are excited about taking advantage of everything life has to offer.

Exploration can be a good thing. It can motivate a teen to try a new sport, a new hairdo or learn a new skill. It can encourage one teen to write a new computer program and another to listen to a new type of music.

But exploration that isn't channeled can lead teens into danger. It can lead them to experiment with drugs, alcohol or sex. It can also make gangs look attractive.

How can you direct your teen's desire for exploration in positive ways? Here are some suggestions:

Encourage exploration in safe situations. Your teen could take a class because it sounds interesting or try a new sport because it looks fun.
See how you can support your teen's desire to try new things. A six-week class at the rec center may be a more appealing idea than a year-long photography course at school.
Make it clear that some exploration involves commitments. Trying for a play and making it, for example, means fulfilling a responsibility to see the show through. That's an important lesson to be learned from any new experience.
Keep your teen busy. Empty hours can lead to unhealthy explorations. It's worth an hour of brainstorming together about interesting things to do.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

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