My name is Jesse.
I am a counselor who specializes in working with teens and their parents.
I have spent thousands of hours researching, reading, and counseling teens.
These are 5 incredible strategies to help your teen be hopeful, work hard, and enjoy life.
1. Encourage your teen to set goals and work towards them.
Help your teenager identify specific goals they want to achieve, and then work with them to create a plan to reach those goals. This can help give them a sense of purpose and direction, which can be motivating and fulfilling.
How Parents Can Achieve This
Identify specific goals with your teen that they want to achieve, such as getting better grades, learning a new skill, or saving up money for a specific purpose.
Work with your teenager to create a plan to reach those goals, including breaking down the steps they need to take and setting deadlines for each step.
Encourage your teenager to track their progress and celebrate their achievements along the way.
2. Help your teenager develop healthy coping mechanisms.
It's important for teenagers to learn how to manage their emotions and stress in healthy ways. Encourage your teenager to try out different coping strategies, such as exercising, meditating, or talking to a trusted friend or adult.
How Parents Can Achieve This
Encourage your teenager to try out different coping strategies, such as exercising, meditating, or talking to a trusted friend or adult.
Help your teenager identify their triggers for stress and emotions, and work with them to develop strategies for managing those triggers.
Encourage your teenager to practice self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when needed.
3. Encourage your teenager to try new things.
Encourage your teenager to step outside their comfort zone and try new activities and hobbies. This can help them discover new passions and interests, and can also boost their confidence and self-esteem.
How Parents Can Achieve This
Encourage your teenager to step outside their comfort zone and try new activities and hobbies.
Help your teenager identify their interests and passions, and look for ways to pursue those interests.
Encourage your teenager to seek out new experiences and challenges, even if they are initially hesitant or nervous.
4. Foster a positive and supportive home environment.
Create a positive and supportive home environment where your teenager feels valued and heard. This can help them feel more hopeful and positive about their future.
How Parents Can Achieve This
Create a positive and supportive home environment where your teenager feels valued and heard.
Encourage open communication and actively listen to your teenager's thoughts and feelings.
Show your teenager love and support, and make an effort to spend quality time together as a family.
5. Encourage your teenager to seek help when needed.
It's important for teenagers to know that it's okay to ask for help when they need it. Encourage your teenager to speak with a trusted adult, such as a counselor or teacher, if they are struggling with their emotions or their schoolwork.
How Parents Can Achieve This
Encourage your teenager to speak with a trusted adult, such as a counselor or teacher, if they are struggling with their emotions or their schoolwork.
Remind your teenager that it's okay to ask for help and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Offer to support your teenager in finding the right resources and services to meet their needs.
Hi there!
My name is Jesse and I'm a Licensed Associate Counselor in Northwest Arkansas. Growing up, I had some amazing role models who inspired me to make a positive impact in the world. Now, I want to pay it forward by helping others through counseling, volunteering, networking, and writing. My goal is to provide encouragement, support, and smiles to the people I work with. I believe that everyone has the potential to be their best selves if they take action towards their goals, give themselves time, and allow for grace along the way.
