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In my personal opinion, parenting a teenager, is one of the scariest and challenging phases of parenting.
It can be a challenge knowing that you have to loosen the reigns but at the same time wanting to keep them safe, which you know is keep them close. But in reality you not only want to keep them from harm physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
Every time they go out into the world, you wonder if they are keeping safe and making the right decisions. You can only hope that all the advice you've ever given them will ring in their ears when a stituation arises - and all they hear is your voice guiding them.
The thing is with teenagers on the brink of becoming young adults, with their new found independance they are eager and excited to live and experience life they way they see it.
My son is the type who if I tell him to be careful climbing the ladder because he might break a leg if he falls, will intentionally climb that ladder just to see 1. whether he falls, 2. will jump off the ladder to see if he really breaks a leg, 3. Break a leg to see how it feels!. It's just an example but you know what I mean. He's that kind of risk taker but he knows how to test the boundaries to the extreme without going over the line. Though he's never been in any actual trouble (touch wood!), it scares the daylights out me.
Whether it's about his studies, the future that he's carving out for himself, friendships, his lifestyle, and now that he's looking for an internship, the most I can do is give him some advice. Whether he follows them is a whole other story but at least he's open to listen to my advice and that's good enough for me.
I also think giving too much advice on things that he doesn't know head or tail about can be futile and he'll probably end up not listening to them because he doesn't understand it, at least not yet.
But as he matures further and goes through the highs and lows of being an adult, there are some life advice that I'd like him to know and keep with him always.
These are not your average run of the mill life advice like, 'Always be kind' or 'No means no' or 'Never walk alone at night' kind of advice though they are one hundred percent valid advice.
These advice that I want to pass on to my son is life advice that we sometimes learn a little too late. And as much as I would like to avoid that for him, he too might learn these lessons a little too late. But I'm adamant on sharing with him these advice even if he's not ready to hear them. Hopefully he'll remember them and they'll help him find his way through some of life's biggest challenges and decisions.
30+ Powerful Life Advice For Your Teenagers
Here are 31 powerful and valuable life advice that you can give your teenagers and young adults for a happier, more resilient life.
Every 20-year-old wants to be a millionaire, but every millionaire wants to be 20 again.
Youth is valuable. While it’s great to aim for success, remember that being young and full of potential is something older people wish they could have again. Appreciate and enjoy this phase of life for what it is and don't rush through it.
True freedom isn’t about money—it’s about choosing what to do with your time.
While having money most definitely can help, freedom is more about having control over your life and your time. If you can spend your days doing what matters to you, that’s true freedom.
You can work like a dog and earn tons of money but you don't have that freedom of having time to actually enjoy the life that you've built then what really is the point.
Be okay with being a beginner.
Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if it means looking like a noob. Sticking to what you’re good at will limit you. There’s a whole world of possibilities out there if you’re willing to learn.
Fear is normal, and it’s okay to feel it.
Stepping out of your comfort zone will always feel a bit scary. Don’t ever let fear stop you; it often means you’re on the edge of something exciting. Challenge yourself out of your comfort zone and look out for the opportunites that'll come to you.
Life is unfair, but learning to accept that will make you feel more free.
Sometimes, things just won’t go your way. Life can throw curveballs or put obstacles in your path, and you'll feel feel defeated but don't, because sometimes that’s how it is.
Learning to accept that life isn’t always fair frees you from frustration, so you can focus on what you can control.
No one owes you a chance; you have to create your own opportunities.
Talent and hard work are both important, but they don’t guarantee success. People won’t just hand you a great opportunity—you’ll need to create your own opportunites by being proactive and going after what you want.
Being “busy” doesn’t mean you’re getting anywhere.
Constant busyness can feel productive, but sometimes it keeps you stuck in a cycle of doing instead of growing.
It’s easy to fill up your day with tasks and things to do, but if those tasks aren’t actually helping you grow or reach your goals, they’re just a distraction. Focus on what truly matters instead of just staying busy for the sake of being busy.
Only you are responsible for your own happiness.
It’s easy to blame other people when things go wrong or to think someone else should make you happy. But, in the end, your happiness depends on the choices you make and how you react to what happens in life and to you.
Critics are loudest from the sidelines.
There will always be people who criticize you, especially when you’re trying something new. Remember, these critics often haven’t tried what you’re doing—they’re just watching from the sidelines. They aren’t in charge of your life. Keep your eyes on your own progress, not their opinions.
Not everyone will support your growth.
As you grow and improve, some people may feel left behind or even threatened. They might not cheer you on, and that’s okay. Keep going—you’ll find people who truly want the best for you.
When facing a big challenge, take it one step at a time.
Sometimes, big goals or challenges can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, focus on one small step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have made real progress toward conquering the challenge.
Success and failure don’t last forever.
Whether you’re on top of the world or feeling low, remember that these moments are temporary. Don’t get stuck in pride or self-doubt because life keeps moving, and so should you.
Balance isn’t the end goal; it’s a tool to live a more meaningful life.
Life doesn’t have to be perfectly balanced all the time. Instead, focus on creating a life filled with experiences and growth. Balance will come and go; what matters is that you’re living life fully.
You can’t control people’s loyalty.
Not everyone will stick by you, and sometimes people will let you down. The only loyalty you can count on is your loyalty to yourself and to your own values. Stay true to who you are.
Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others.
Life isn’t a competition with everyone else. It’s just about becoming the best version of you. Focus on your own journey instead of constantly comparing yourself to others.
Small habits create the biggest changes.
Life-changing transformations aren’t usually big, flashy events. They’re built from small, daily actions that add up over time. These habits may not seem important at the time, but they add up and shape your character. Those little steps lead to big results.
The best ideas come when you’re relaxed, not stressed.
Creativity often shows up when your mind is calm. You've probably noticed that your best ideas can come to you when you’re in the shower, on a walk, or just relaxing—not when you’re under pressure.
Your surroundings influence who you become.
The people and places around you shape you more than you realize. If you want to change your life, think about changing your environment to support your goals.
Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets.
People’s trust in you takes a long time to build, but just seconds to lose. Guard your reputation carefully because it can open or close doors in your life.
Life is about learning who you are and growing from each experience.
You don’t have to have everything figured out. Life is a journey where you discover more about yourself along the way. Embrace the challenges—they help you grow.
Don’t blame or complain; take ownership of your life.
It’s easy to blame others or complain, but that doesn’t change anything. Taking ownership of your life means accepting responsibility and finding solutions.
Don’t wait for opportunities—make them.
Opportunities don’t always come knocking. Sometimes, you’ll need to create them for yourself by being proactive and reaching out.
Tough moments don’t break you—they build you.
Life’s hardest moments are there to teach you resilience and strength. They aren’t easy, but they help you grow into a stronger person.
Patience is more valuable than people think.
Whatever results you're waiting for doesn’t always happen right away. Those big goals take time to reach, so don’t give up just because things are moving slowly.
Invest time and care in your relationships.
Good relationships don’t just happen—they take effort, trust, and time. Value the people who support you and are always there for you through your thick and thin. Make an effort to be the same to them and always stay connected.
Success doesn't always look like what you think it should.
Real success isn't always about fast cars, and designer clothes, but it's about living a life that feels good to you, not just one that impresses others. It might not always look the way you expected it to be, and that’s okay.
Embrace Failure as Part of Growth
Failure isn’t a dead end; it’s just part of learning. When things don’t work out, it’s natural to feel disappointed, but each “failure” is actually a stepping stone. Mistakes help you figure out what doesn’t work, making you stronger and wiser. So, don’t fear it—use it to improve.
Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
Your body and mind are your most valuable assets, and keeping them strong will help you handle whatever comes your way. Regular exercise, eating well, and managing stress all play a role in how you feel day-to-day.
Taking care of yourself physically and mentally isn’t just for “someday” or when you're older; it needs to start now.
Don't Rush Life Decisions
You may feel pressure to make big decisions quickly, but it’s okay to take your time. Whether it’s career, education, or relationships, rushing often leads to regret.
Give yourself the space to think things through. The best choices come from careful reflection, not from outside pressure.
Build a Circle of Good Friends
Surround yourself with friends who genuinely support and respect you. Good friends encourage you to be your best self, while toxic friendships can hold you back.
Choose relationships that feel positive and uplifting, and don’t be afraid to walk away from those that aren’t.
Remember That Life is Constantly Changing
Remember that what feels like a huge issue today might be a distant memory tomorrow. Learning to go with the flow and adapt will make you more resilient. Don't be afraid to embrace change, and remember that hard times are temporary. Flexibility will carry you far.
Share these pieces of real-life advice that you know to be true with your teenager or young adult to help them see life from a broader perspective and guide them toward making choices that align with their goals and values.
Most importantly, always remind them that you'll be there to celebrate their wins and you'll be there for them through any challenges they may face in life.
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