This week marks the beginning of the fall season. Here in Texas, many of us feel like fall is here when temperatures drop below 90 - and this last week we have had temperatures in the upper 60's. Cooler temperatures and the many fall and even Christmas decorations already placed in stores are visible reminders to us that the year is marching forward.
Our teens are now locked into a school routine - or at least we hope that they are! The focus is on academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, jobs, and peer relationships. The next three months will go by in a whirlwind of activity centered around all these important areas in their lives. Add in the holiday season, family, church, and travelling and your teen's plate is very full at this time. The relaxing days of summer are quickly becoming a memory.
By now hopefully you have had an opportunity to check in with your teen about his school schedule and you have some idea about how school is going for him. Areas in which he needs help should be addressed NOW before the year gets even busier. He may need assistance in a particular class, an extracurricular activity, or how he is interacting with peers. Help him problem solve anything he needs to shift now so that any area of concern can be corrected by the end of the semester.
And while you are helping him with areas of concern, be sure to start thinking about all your teen's accomplishments this year. You might even want to jot down a list so that you can remind him when he may be feeling discouraged.
Celebrate fall and positive accomplishments. Fall is the time of harvest and this should apply to positive behavioral changes yielding good results as well.
Dr. Debra
Comments