09/10/2025
Lately, I’ve noticed a trend amongst my teen clients and it relates to mindset. Pretty much all of my teens can articulate a goal they have, identify all of the necessary steps required to achieve said goal, including but not limited to time invested, cost, consequences etc. However, the buck stops there. They do all this work, have such wonderful insight into what would be required of them to achieve their dreams but can’t muster up the motivation or courage to TRY.
These are students with wonderful support, resources, and time. So what’s the deal? One potential answer could be too much autonomy. In an effort to create and maintain emotional bonds with their children, millennial parents have developed dynamics where a child’s feedback on what they want and don’t want is given too much consideration. Anxiety when trying a new sport, activity, or engaging in new relationships is SCARY. However, students may need the push they otherwise might be unwilling to give themselves. Our job it to provide unwavering support, and constant reminders that we believe in them while simultaneously making the hard decisions for them when necessary. At times, a gentle and firm nudge to jump in the deep end and learn to swim is a vital step for teens to discover that they have what it takes to try something new and figure it out. We as parents commit to treading confidently beside them, ready to assist as needed. Being able to try new things on their own, problem solve, and apply solutions is a major predictor of adult success. This includes their academic success, job applications and interviews, career achievements, relationships pursuits and maintenance, bills and financial literacy etc. It’s important to give them that push and let them tread in the deep end while we can still come to their aid. Soon, they’ll learn, and they won’t need us… and that’s the point. If your student is struggling reach out! I’d love to join you in your efforts by beginning their counseling journey!
Valley View Counseling LLC.
859-428-7064
[email protected]