As parents, we want the best for our kids. But at what cost? With the rise of stress amongst teens, you don't have to look too hard to see anxiety is often about achievement and performance. So where does this pressure to excel come from?
Sadly, I think it partly comes from us. We want so badly for our kids to have every opportunity. With good intentions we sign them up for teams, lessons and privates. We push our kids to do well academically and provide tutors, ACT prep courses and college coaches. We encourage our teens to build their resume and serve, not to make a difference in the world, but to make a college app that stands out.
It's no wonder our teens are stressed out and burned out. So what can we do to change that?
Simply: Spend time. Be present. Listen.