We want to instill our teens with confidence, gratitude, accountability, and hope. But oftentimes, it feels like we’re doing just the opposite.
Here are 5 simple questions you can ask your teen to help them rewire their brains to be more positive and empathetic.
These questions are tough. Ask them nonchalantly, without expectation or judgment, and give them plenty of time to answer. Remember, their brains are still developing, so they need more time to process the question and formulate an answer.
5 Questions to Ask Your Teen Every Day
- What did you learn today? Teach your teen to value learning rather than focusing only on grades. Help them appreciate that learning isn’t restricted to the classroom but can happen anytime anywhere if you look for it.
- What is one thing you’re grateful for today? Gratitude is one of the best antidotes for depression and anxiety — and it’s free. It also has to be learned. Get your teens (and yourself) in the habit of finding things to be grateful for. If they can’t think of anything, have them point to something in the room and say why they are grateful for that.
- What did you fail at today? This is not meant to be a trap. It’s to help them view failure as a positive sign of growth so they learn from it rather than run from it.
- What is one thing that makes you feel good about yourself today? When I my teen clients what they wish they could change, the list goes on and on. But when I ask them to tell me what they like about themselves, they struggle to come up with even one. Help your teen practice saying positive things about themselves by asking this question.
- Who did you help today? Helping others is another great way to counter depression and anxiety. Many teens do it without realizing it or appreciating it. Others may not even think about it. This question will help them become more aware of how they are serving others.
Remember, it’s okay if your teen doesn’t have an answer right away — or ever. Help them out by sharing your answers. Over time, they’ll get more comfortable with these questions and even come prepared to answer them.
You’ve got this!
