How to Inspire a Teen

Everyone needs some inspiration to follow the heart and chase dreams. If your teen needs some extra motivation, find some hidden sparks inside your child to set afire. Sometimes a young person might need a little courage and other times simply focusing does the job to energize a teenager to pursue goals. Once your teenager finds her inspiration, get out of the way because great things should follow.

Instructions

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      Encourage your teenager to view life and everything in it with an open and imaginative mind, advises neuroscientist Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, writing for the "Psychology Today" website. Viewing situations, conversations, people and issues with one perspective can be limiting and stifling. Instead, show your youngster how to use a varied perspective when observing or experiencing situations. By looking past stark black and white perspectives, your child can find a multitude of colorful ideas.

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      Recognize potential in your teenager and help him see it, too. Everyone has innate gifts, skills and interests that translate into passions that fuel forward momentum, states Dr. Peter L. Benson, author of ̶0;Sparks: How Parents Can Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers.̶1; Call attention to the interests and passions you notice in your child to help incite the drive to follow dreams. Give ongoing praise and feedback to maintain positive growth.

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      Empower your teen to make even a small difference in the world around her, suggests the ̶0;Ideas for Parents̶1; newsletter from Livingston County Healthy Communities that Care in New York state. Feeling the need to go out and move mountains can be overwhelming and defeating. Bring meaningful contributions down to manageable size to help your adolescent realize that she has a valuable role to play. Contributing to the family by helping with chores and volunteering locally within a community are two ways a teenager can take on a helpful role that should inspire confidence and empowerment.

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      Teach your child to keep trying, even when goals get difficult, advises KidsHealth. Readjusting goals to make them more realistic might be necessary sometimes. Breaking a large goal up into smaller ones can also help a teen maintain motivation and momentum. Encourage your youngster to assess his progress periodically so he can see what he̵7;s achieved and refocus himself on remaining goals. If mistakes or backsliding occur, help your child pick up the pieces, learn lessons and start over again.

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