Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

02-23-2022

Help Your Teen Think About the Future

During the teen years, kids generally focus on the present. For example, a teen who tries smoking may be thinking, "This will make me look cool," instead of, "I could get lung cancer when I'm older." But many decisions teens make and actions they take now will affect their futures.

Here are some ways to help your teen think ahead:

Discuss consequences. Help your teen think about the short- and long-term results of both negative and positive actions. What could happen if your student cheated on a test? Or studied an extra 15 minutes a night?
Explain your expectations. Tell your teen exactly what behavior you want to see. "I expect you to finish your homework each evening before spending any time watching TV or videos or playing online." Set clear expectations about grades, chores, behavior and other priorities.
Discipline consistently. Offer praise when your teen follows rules and consistently enforce consequences for misbehavior. This will remind your teen to connect actions with outcomes.
Help your teen practice planning. Encourage the use of calendars and to-do lists. Show your student how to break large projects into small parts that can be completed step-by-step.
Talk about the future. Ask about your teen's hopes and dreams. Together, brainstorm ways your teen can work toward them now.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

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