Do you ever take the time to slow down and proactively think about your life, specifically the big picture? If you do, then cue the confetti, ‘cause you’re a rarity! And among teens, that’s even more unusual … AND important.
Teens tend to focus on one primary area of their life, and neglect others. That’s okay for a short stint, like Finals Week. But when that happens for a long period of time, it leads to stress, anxiety, and other unhealthy consequences. However, if they slow down and intentionally balance the different areas of their life, they can stay on a positive and productive path.
So, how can you teach them balance while they’re teens?
The Wheel of Life , my favorite exercise. It’s a quick way for your teen to visualize the balance – or lack of it – in his or her life.
How to Use the Wheel of Life
- Review the circle and its 8 areas of life – they’re key to satisfaction and success.
- Ask your teen to rate their current level of happiness in each area on a scale of 1-10, and write that in each section.
- Ask your teen why they chose that number and what they would like it to be.
- Lastly, talk with them about how would like to get to that new number.
You can see why the Wheel of Life is a helpful starting point for goal setting – it’s almost snap-of-the-fingers quick!
Top Takeaway
Teens often tell me they’re surprised to discover how much the different aspects of their lives are interdependent. Which inspires them to prioritize their life in a new way.
For Bonus Points
Show your teen your own Wheel of Life. Share what you, as a parent, would do differently. They’ll see that finding balance is a constant practice. Which is why it’s a good idea to date your Wheel of Life and repeat the exercise quarterly.
What next?
If you’d like to take this practice further, an academic or life coach could be a great option. They’re great at breaking down daunting goals into manageable steps, inspiring new ways of thinking, and of course celebrating successes! If that sounds helpful, schedule a free strategy session with me here.