Helping Teens Live Up to Their Full Potential

You know that your teen is funny, smart, interesting and full of potential but your teen might not always agree. In fact, it can be frustrating to watch your child miss out on his potential and natural talents because of a lack of confidence or effort. While you can't force your teen to be successful, you can offer the tools that help him see what he can become, even if he doesn't seem particularly motivated.

  1. Give Responsibility

    • Giving your teen responsibility has several positive repercussions. First, it proves that you have faith in her and her abilities. Whether you ask her to pick up her sister from school or put in her charge of dinner once per week, you're showing that your teen is old enough to make decisions and act, which can help her reach her full potential. Secondly, it allows her to trust herself with important tasks, helping to build up confidence in her own abilities to listen, be trustworthy and execute a task.

    Expect A Lot

    • In an article for "Psychology Today," family psychologist Richard Weissbourd explains that it isn't expecting too much from your teen that can be damaging -- it's expecting too little. Your teen better responds to high expectations as they not only challenge him, but give him a vote of confidence. For instance, you expect "A"s at school because you know your teen is smart and hardworking enough to get top grades. Set high -- yet still reachable -- goals and expectations for your teen to help drive him to succeed and put a vote of confidence behind his success.

    Build Confidence

    • A teen with low confidence probably doesn't think that she's worth the hard work it takes to reach her full potential. By building her confidence, you can help her see how successful she can be. But confidence isn't only grown through praise, according to the book "Letting Go with Love and Confidence" -- though a well-placed motivational compliment definitely helps. It can also be built through trying new things, having new experiences, exploring her talents and even failing, but trying again. Help your teen build real and lasting confidence by finding out more about her talents, abilities and giving her meaningful praise to build lasting confidence.

    Model Excellence

    • If you really want your teen to live up to his full potential, it's important that you follow suit. After all, your teen sees his greatest role model in his parents and if you're operating at less than full or you have low self-esteem, he might learn that it's OK to not try his hardest or settle for something less. Whether in your personal life, professional life or family life, strive to set goals, reach milestones and recognize your success to provide your teen with a healthy and fulfilled role model.

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