As our kids transition into their teenage years, we parents often feel a sense of relief, believing that we’re nearing the finish line of their upbringing. Watching them evolve into independent, capable young adults is a source of pride. However, when we ask them to perform everyday tasks and discover they suddenly struggle with things they once managed easily, it leaves us scratching our heads. It’s almost as if they’ve developed a peculiar affliction that renders them temporarily incapable of handling routine responsibilities.
We can’t help but notice that many of their friends seem to be grappling with the same “condition.” The simple activities have become daunting challenges, leading us to wonder if we need to take action. Fortunately, with some patience and encouragement, we can help them regain their skills. Here’s a lighthearted look at 20 things that can be surprisingly hard for teens:
- Brushing their teeth
- Changing into fresh clothes
- Opening the refrigerator
- Pouring a drink
- Placing dishes in the sink
- Making toast
- Loading the dishwasher
- Unloading the dishwasher
- Operating the remote control
- Rising from their seat
- Settling down to study
- Disposing of trash properly
- Switching on lights
- Turning off lights
- Engaging in thought
- Tossing dirty laundry in the hamper
- Giving the cat some affection
- Peeling a banana
- Collecting the mail
- Walking around the house
While this list may seem daunting, it doesn’t spell doom for their futures. I firmly believe that with the right guidance, our teenagers can tackle these challenges. Though there’s no official research on this phenomenon, we can create our own strategies. For example, when my daughter complains about being thirsty and says, “Forget it,” I encourage her by saying, “I insist you get yourself a drink.” After some eye-rolling, she eventually makes her way to the kitchen and pours herself a glass of iced tea. It’s amazing to see her gain confidence with each small victory.
Or when I sit beside my son, who’s engrossed in yet another episode of his favorite show, and I ask him to change the channel, he initially refuses. However, with a little encouragement, he eventually manages to reach the remote and change the channel. It’s all about motivating them to take those small steps.
Even during homework time, when the room is dimly lit, and they insist they can read just fine, I gently remind them, “Please turn on the light; I’d rather not pay for glasses!” And they do. Each time they tackle these tasks, they become a bit more adept, and soon, they’ll be doing them without a second thought.
This method may not be foolproof and requires some investment of time, but I truly believe our children can overcome these hurdles. Who knows? One day they might even pet the cat without prompting or navigate the kitchen like pros.
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In summary, although teenagers may face challenges with basic tasks, with encouragement and support, they can develop the skills they need for independence.