Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

06-05-2023

Nurture a Positive Attitude in Your Teen

Mentioning phrases like “positive attitude” is a good way to make many teens roll their eyes. But having a positive attitude is a foundation for managing in tough times, and it can make a difference to school success.

Many key elements of character, including kindness, empathy and leadership, are impossible to achieve by looking only at the dark side of life. A positive attitude is also an important part of good health.

To foster a positive attitude, help your teen develop:

Competence. On most days, some things will go well and others won’t. Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, encourage your teen to focus more on what went well. Those things are the starting points for beginning the next day.
An ability to move on. Say your teen didn't make the junior varsity soccer team this spring. The next chance to try out isn’t until next spring and the competition for the varsity team is stiffer. After acknowledging your teen's disappointment, help your student consider new directions.
Openness to opportunity. Say that your teen likes math. Having a positive attitude will suggest that there may be many students this year who could use some tutoring help over the summer. Calling some elementary school math teachers to offer to tutor could open up a new world for your teen.
A sense of humor. Remember: Nothing is better than laughter for getting rid of a negative attitude.

Of course, teens won’t show all of these traits all the time. When your teen does show one, point out how it improved a situation. At other times, help your teen brainstorm positive ways to handle things next time.

Brought to you by:

Willingboro Public Schools

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