Ways you can encourage your teen to find balance

Very few teenagers ever achieve a “perfect” balance between academics, sports, a social life, sleep, leisure, and family time. However, you can help your teen better juggle their daily schedule and achieve a broad and healthy perspective on life.

Our modern lifestyles are extremely hectic and hurried, with little time to unwind. Many adults struggle to strike a healthy work-life balance. Many teenagers appear to be in the same boat. The reality is that there is often just not enough time in the day for teens to get everything done, while still having time to relax.

Students have a busy morning in the classroom, when they are subjected to a great deal of pressure. Many schools offer a variety of sports, cultural, and other activities throughout the afternoon. Teens are expected to complete their homework when they return home later in the afternoon. There may be more sport on weekends, as well as invitations to friends’ houses or other social events.

Finding a happy medium

Every teenager is different. Some teens thrive on being busy, while others find themselves sinking rather than swimming. While it’s critical that youngsters make the most of all opportunities available to them, it’s also important that they are given some time to relax.

The key is to plan ahead

In the case of high school students, it is the responsibility of both the parent and the teen to put a schedule together that incorporated schoolwork and homework – as well as social and sporting activities. While academics and homework are non-negotiables, teens should never be forced to participate in after-school activities that they don’t enjoy. Rather allow your teen the freedom to choose an activity he or she is passionate about.

Allow a competitive spirit to emerge on its own

Be wary of encouraging your teen to be overly competitive. A competitive spirit is something that naturally develops in a youngster and does not need to be cultivated by an overbearing parent

Encourage your teen to have a social life

Teens should be encouraged to socialise with their peers and friends. They should also be allowed to have “off days” when they can lounge in front of the TV, rest on their beds, or engage in screen time. We need “time out” as adults, and this privilege should be provided to our frequently overworked children.

Ensure your teen gets enough rest

Despite the fact that each child’s demands are unique, it is critical that your teen receives adequate sleep. Teens who don’t get enough sleep the night before a school day battle to learn in class. Your teen should be getting at least eight full hours of sleep a night.