Ask your teen what they are worried about and they might say what comes next. They are struggling to set goals and determine whether they should go to college or choose a different path. At the same time, they are just trying to finish high school. The pressure they feel during this time can be overwhelming and it falls on the adults in their lives to them and help them as they plan their future. How can parents and other adults do so? 

Rather than focusing on looking at utah schools or choosing a career, kids need to be working on developing qualities that will help them throughout their lives. Doing so will allow them to find purpose. Teens need to be optimistic and confident they will find this purpose. Children who are quick to express gratitude, those who are comionate, and those with tenacity often find it easier to uncover this purpose than those who lack these qualities. 

While it falls on the teen to find their purpose, parents can help. They need to offer options and provide as the teen explores these options. When the teen has a choice to make, parents can help them evaluate the pros and cons of each choice. In addition, parents need to model a life that has purpose and meaning. 

Teens Matter

Teens need to understand they matter. When a child is young, the parents tend to celebrate each success. As time es, they no longer do so. They believe the child is simply living up to the expectations that have been set. Parents should spend more time praising their teens and telling them how much they matter. Kids need to know they make the world a better place with their presence. 

Celebrate Strengths

No person is good at everything they try. Children must be told this and parents need to celebrate what makes the child unique. At the same time, the parents need to help the child find what they like doing and what motivates them to learn. With this information, teens find it easier to find their purpose in life. 

Regular Communication

Talk frequently with teens. These don’t need to be heavy discussions. Parents can ask non-intimidating questions to initiate a conversation and allow this conversation to develop and take on deeper topics. These conversations help the child find their purpose. 

Set an Example

Teens who see their parents modeling a life of purpose, fulfillment, and joy find it easier to do the same. They learn from their parents, particularly when the parents share experiences that were meaningful to them as they developed this life of purpose. However, parents also need to share disappointments and setbacks, so kids can see how to learn from them. 

Allow Teens to Explore

Teens need opportunities to step outside their comfort zone and try new things. Doing so may allow them to find something new they love. It also gives them opportunities to develop new skills and strengths. One way for them to explore is to volunteer for something meaningful to them. They will get satisfaction from this volunteer work while developing their beliefs and values. This exploration allows them to develop an identity and a sense of purpose. 

Patience is key when helping a child develop a sense of purpose. Every child is different, and some might find these answers sooner than others. Allow kids downtime and them throughout this journey. Doing so will allow them to have a life they love, one with purpose and meaning.