In a recent post I talked about the rise of teen stress and that even with the best of intentions, the pressure to excel can come from us as parents. I believe a second source of pressure comes from our teens' perception of our expectations. Such as:
- living up to parents' or siblings' success
- competing with others for class rank
- having life figured out with a 5-year plan
- excelling in multiple areas
This one is a little harder to navigate because it's based on a perception that often goes undiscussed. Find time to talk with your kids one on one. Share how you feel about them. Be willing to talk about the challenges you had at their age. This is your time to connect, empathize and build a relationship with open communication. They need you.