How To Identify Your Teen’s Strengths

Parenting does not come with a handbook. But if there is a time in life when parents need a little extra help and support, it is during their children’s teenage years. The Center for Parent and Teen Communication is on a mission to provide all caregiving adults with the tools needed to create healthy and loving relationships with their teens. 

This post is made possible with support from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure policy at this link.

I thoroughly enjoyed the parenting-in-100-words video “Spot Their Strengths.” As the mom of two teen daughters who have “found their spark,” I followed these 3 simple steps in guiding them.

Pay Attention

This seems obvious, but ask them and pay attention to what your teen is telling you. Don’t assume you should know. Pay special attention to the things they communicate without words. 

Don’t Work Too Hard

When your teen is really into something, you won’t have to push and prod them to do it. The moment you find yourself working harder than them at their thing is the moment you can both let that thing go. 

Let Them Do It

Once you know what they love and see their commitment to it, your job is done. Don’t impose your idea on how their passion should be expressed. Give your teen space to do their thing their way.

Need a little support loving your teen the best way you can? Check out the entire parenting in 100 words series CPTC has to offer: http://bit.ly/2Z9bqXa. And be sure to take advantage of their free parenting skill resources, podcast, and the 100-word, daily parenting tip newsletter on their website. Parenting may not come with a handbook, but it can come with a supportive community. Leave a comment and let us know how we can help.