Top 10 Things Teens Need to Hear
1. Pitch in, even when it’s not your job
NEVER SAY “That’s not my job.” That oozes arrogance and laziness. Chip in to help with what needs to be done, even if it’s not your responsibility. Do what needs to be done or help someone find the solution. Period. Even when nobody’s watching.
Teens (and most adults, honestly) often need a gentle reminder that taking initiative and helping out isn’t just about being responsible; it’s about showing respect for others. Pitching in to help even when something isn’t your job shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile. That attitude can make a world of difference in school, at home, and in their future careers.
That said, I do think we need to balance this advice. No one should constantly pick up the slack for others. It’s also important to teach teens to stand up for themselves in the workplace if they feel that they’re being taken advantage of.
2. Growth is a Dance, Not a Light Switch
We all have “issues” because we all have a story. And no matter how much work you’ve done on yourself, we all snap back sometimes. So be easy on you. Growth is a dance. Not a light switch.
Adolescence is an incredibly turbulent time. It’s so vital for teens to understand that personal growth isn’t something that happens overnight. They won’t just wake up one morning and know exactly who they are. Growth happens over time.
This quote reminds them to be patient with themselves and embrace the ups and downs as part of the process. They should know that it’s okay to have setbacks as long as they keep moving forward.
3. Don’t Judge, You Never Know What Someone is Going Through
Nobody has it easy. Everybody has issues. Life happens. You never know what people are going through. So, pause before you start judging, mocking or criticizing others. Everybody is fighting their own battles.
Life is a crazy journey at times and everyone faces their own battles. Everyone deserves compassion. I actually think our teens are a lot less likely to pass judgment or mock their peers based on appearances or behaviors than adults these days. So this one is a good reminder for all of us.
4. Accountability is a Life Skill, Not a Punishment
Kids who never have any accountability for their actions will continue through life thinking nothing is their fault and everything is owed to them.
This advice reminds them (and us) that blaming others only holds us back in life. When we talk about “accountability,” we tend to talk in terms of “taking your lumps” (whatever that means, I never understood that metaphor) for something you did wrong. In other words, it feels more like a punishment. But it’s actually a good life skill to have.
5. The Power of Silence
My mom once told me once you are matured, you will realize that SILENCE is more powerful than proving your point.
Silence isn’t a sign of weakness or “submission,” it’s a powerful tool. Encouraging teenagers to understand the value of staying silent can help them navigate tricky social situations. It’s a reminder that they don’t always need to prove their point, and sometimes, allowing a pause in conversation can be far more influential than any argument that they could make.
6. Choose Your Friends Wisely
A Harvard study found that 99% of your success depends on ONE thing: Who you associate with. You may not realize it, but you’re like a chameleon. You can and will absorb the attitudes, opinions and behaviors of those you choose to spend the most time with. If you spend time with winners and positive thinkers, you’ll start to become like them. Spend time with negative, underachievers, and you’ll become like them. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY
The people we hang out with definitely have a major impact on our attitudes. Positive influences tend to bring out the best in people, while negative influences can drag them down.
Encourage your teens to keep their circles small and full of people that drive them to be better versions of themselves.
7. Spend time with the people you love
My home is filled with toys, has fingerprints on everything, and is never quiet. My hair is usually a mess and I am always tired, but there is always love and laughter. In 20 years, my kids won’t remember the house or my hair, but they will remember the quality time we spent together and the love they felt.”
In a world filled with distractions and busy schedules, it’s so crucial for teenagers to understand that material possessions and appearances don’t hold even a fraction of the weight as the quality of the relationships they build with their family and other loved ones. This is also a good reminder to prioritize people and experiences over things.
8. Watch what you say
Mothers that love their kids will never teach them to hate their father.
Okay, so this is more of an advice quote for parents (and it goes both ways- dads shouldn’t teach their kids to hate their moms, either). But it’s still good advice for teens. By not badmouthing your child’s other parent even when you really don’t get along, you’re teaching your kids that it’s important to respect other people’s feelings. You’re also teaching them the importance of at least trying to work with someone that you don’t see eye-to-eye with.
9. Stand up for yourself
Make your daughter so capable that you don’t have to worry about who will marry her! Instead of saving money for her wedding day, spend it well on her education, and most importantly, instead of preparing her for her marriage, prepare her for herself! Teach her self-love and confidence, and that she can throat-punch someone if she needs to.
Before you say “Shouldn’t we teach our sons the same thing,” hear me out. Yes, of course, we should teach boys to be capable and stand up for themselves. But this is the 21st century and we STILL live in a world where women have to fight for every right that they have and get objectified FAR more often than men do. So, it’s more important than ever to teach our daughters to be self-confident and self-sufficient.
10. Remember this simple formula for living
Listen more; talk less. Take time to be alone. Live beneath your means. Cultivate good manners. Be kind to unkind people. Stop blaming other people. Admit it when you make a mistake. Give clothes not worn to charity. Return everything you borrow. Take a 30-minute walk every day. Let someone cut ahead of you in line. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Realize and accept that life isn’t fair. Know when to keep your mouth shut. Go an entire day without criticizing anyone. Do something nice and try not to get caught. Get organized. Be on time. Don’t make excuses. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff. Learn from the past. Plan for the future. Live in the present.
I think this is a great one to finish off with because it says everything teens need to hear AND everything we adults should remember. It really is the ultimate “guide to life” quote.