How to help your teen identify their skills
Teens are so used to talking about what they are good at in terms of school subjects that they often find it less than easy to express who they are and what they are good at outside of this.
Adolescence can be a confusing time filled with a whole lot of “I don’t knows”.
But your teen already has so many skills and one of the most important things we can do as parents is help them to identify those skills, develop them and then articulate them to others!
Here are some ways you can help:
Encourage them to explore
Your teen might not have it all figured out just yet, and that’s totally fine. Let them dabble in various activities and hobbies! Whether it’s sports, music, painting, coding, or even baking weirdly shaped cookies – let them try it all! Remember, this is the time for experimentation and wild adventures!
Some of the teens I work with are reluctant to make a commitment to something new “in case they don’t like it.” Take the stress out of it for them by giving them permission to only go once.
Be their biggest cheerleader
Your teen may stumble upon their interests and talents during their exploration phase. When they do, it’s time to whip out those pom-poms and be their loudest cheerleader! Praise their efforts and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Positive reinforcement can work wonders in boosting their confidence and encouraging them to dive deeper into their potential.
Pay attention to passion
Keep your eyes peeled for the telltale signs of passion. When your teen talks animatedly about something, their eyes light up, and their enthusiasm is contagious, you’ve hit the jackpot! Passion is like a compass guiding them towards their natural skills. So, whether it’s a subject in school, a social cause, or a creative pursuit, embrace and nurture it.
Patience is key
As much as we might want to see our teens soaring high with direction and confidence, remember that patience is key. It’s okay if they haven’t discovered their “thing” yet; the journey itself is an incredible learning experience!
It is important that you give them the space to find their thing, rather than push them into something that you think they “should” be doing. I work with a number of teens who continue to do extra-curricular activities they no longer enjoy just to keep their parents happy.
Offer a safe space for failure
Let’s face it, no one becomes a master on their first try. Mistakes and failures are stepping stones to greatness! Create a safe space where your teen feels comfortable taking risks and learning from their slip-ups. Failure is not a roadblock but a valuable lesson that helps them grow and refine their true skills.
Expose them to diverse opportunities
Sometimes, your teen might not even know certain skills exist until they stumble upon them by chance. Introduce them to a variety of experiences and opportunities, like workshops, community events, or volunteering. A quick Google search or a throwing out a quick question on a local Facebook group can bring up a vast array of opportunities for your teen to get involved in.
Seek guidance from others
If you notice your teen showing consistent interest and talent in a particular area, consider seeking guidance from mentors, teachers, or professionals in that field. Hearing encouragement and advice from someone who has experience in the domain can be incredibly inspiring and affirming for your teen.
The summer holidays provides a perfect opportunity for your teen to experiment and have new experiences. Let’s help them become the best versions of themselves!
If your teen would like some help exploring their skills and talents and increasing their self-confidence, let’s chat
I can show your teen how to maximise their natural skillset to achieve their own goals. There are still some places left on my mentoring programme for September www.charlottenooncoaching.co.uk/teens-at-school
