A parent’s work is never done. Part of this profound responsibility involves helping your teenage children transition into adulthood. It’s called “adulting” these days, and it requires plenty of trial and error. As a parent, you’re uniquely positioned to offer valuable guidance. There’s no manual for this task, but there are some common steps you can help facilitate.
Your teen has a full plate. From school to socializing to planning for their future, they need to find time to develop the skills that will serve them well from this moment forward. It’s a delicate balancing act indeed, but your support will make a huge difference.
Basic, Daily Skills Every Teen Will Need
You can view the list below as tools that your teen can integrate into their life.
- Basic Hygiene: From cleansing your body to maintaining a daily self-care regimen, the onus is on each of us to take of ourselves.
- Taking Care of Your Living Space: Keeping things clean (including laundry), keeping a healthy budget, learning how to do basic repairs, etc.
- Nourishing Oneself: A teen will need to know how to stock their cabinets and fridge, follow a recipe, take food safety steps, and resist the urge to consume unhealthy food and drink.
- Going Out and About: Can they handle simple car maintenance? What about putting together appropriate outfits, knowing how to tip, and doing something like planning a trip or vacation.
- Putting Your Best Self First: This might include job hunting, writing a resume, strong time management skills, and committing to healthy, respectful social behavior.
Bigger, Fundamental Skills
To expand on the last item on the above list, your teen will be more likely to thrive when they understand how to follow through on promises, take responsibility for their actions, manage a schedule, and set strong boundaries. This will lay a foundation for the major skills below:
- Working on one’s communication skills and committing to this lifelong journey
- Dealing with bosses, co-workers, neighbors, and others who play a large role in your life
- Healthy, productive conflict resolution
- Keeping your daily life in balance, e.g. knowing when to push forward and when to take a break
- Sustaining strong, productive relationships — friends, romantic partners, and more
- Managing your emotions in a mature, self-loving manner
- Dealing with loss in your life and knowing when to ask for outside help
- Practicing and expressing gratitude for all things, large and small
- Living a life of compassion, empathy, respect, patience, and giving
- Developing discernment for those moments of doubt, fear, and confusion (using faith and spirituality if those options resonate with you)
It should go without saying that the best way to teach the above attributes is as a role model. When you lead by example, your children are always watching. They take your guidance to heart when they can see it in action. With that in mind, do not miss the next section.
You Will Be Tested, Too
It’s challenging to watch your teen go through this transition. Not only do you see them making mistakes, but you also must walk a very fine line. As they near adulthood, your children need space to learn things the hard way. They do not want you to micro-manage them, but they need to know you’re available when needed. In other words, you and your teen are both going through a big life shift.
All the above adds up to the reality that it makes sense to some guidance of your own. Talk to a professional to get the help you need and deserve in the name of giving your teen the help they need and deserve. Reach out today.
