As someone who's spent a lot of time working with high school boys and their parents, I've learned a valuable lesson: no one knows what works, but doing stuff works. Everyone's always looking for the secret formula, the foolproof plan that will guarantee success. But the truth is, the only way to find out what works is to take action and put yourself out there.
When you're a teenager, everything feels like a big question mark. You're trying to figure out who you are, what you want to do with your life, and how to navigate all the ups and downs that come with growing up. It's a lot to handle, and it's easy to get stuck in your own head, overthinking every little decision.
But here's the thing: the only way to find out what works is to actually do something. It's like that old saying, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." If you never put yourself out there, you'll never know what you're capable of.
I remember when I was a teenager, I was a total mess. I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression, and I didn't really know how to cope. I felt like I was drowning in my own thoughts, and I was too ashamed to ask for help. But eventually, I realized that I couldn't just sit around and wait for things to get better on their own. I had to take action. So I started trying new things. And slowly but surely, I started to build up my confidence.
Of course, it wasn't always easy. There were plenty of times when I fell flat on my ass, or got rejected, or felt like a total failure. But even those moments taught me something. They showed me that I was stronger than I thought, and that I could handle a lot more than I gave myself credit for.
And that's what I try to tell the teenage boys I work with now. It's okay to be scared. It's okay to not have all the answers. But don't let that fear hold you back from trying. Because the only way to find out what works is to get out there and do stuff.
Now, I know that's easier said than done, especially if you're dealing with something heavy like anxiety or depression. Trust me, I've been there. And if that's the case, the first step is to reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust, whether that's a parent, a teacher, or a counselor. There are people who want to support you, and there's no shame in asking for a little backup.
But even as you're working through those challenges, don't forget to keep pushing yourself. Take small steps at first, if that's what feels manageable. But keep taking them. Because every time you put yourself out there, every time you try something new, you're proving to yourself that you're capable of so much more than you ever thought possible.
And parents, if you're reading this, there's something important I want you to know. Your teenage son needs your support now more than ever. He may not always show it, but he's looking to you for guidance and reassurance as he navigates this crazy journey called adolescence.
So be there for him. Listen to him. Encourage him to take healthy risks and pursue his passions. And if you notice that he's struggling with his mental health, don't hesitate to get him the help he needs. There are so many resources out there, from therapy to medication to support groups. The key is to let him know that he's not alone, and that it's okay to ask for help.
But above all, keep reminding him that the only way to find out what works is to keep trying. Cheer him on when he takes those first scary steps, and be there to catch him when he stumbles. Because with your love and support, he's going to grow into an amazing young man who knows how to chase his dreams and roll with the punches.
Will it always work out the way you want it to? Nope. But that's not the point. The point is to keep learning, keep growing, and keep discovering what makes you tick. And parents, keep encouraging your son to take those risks and supporting him every step of the way. Because as we've learned, no one knows what works, but doing stuff works. And who knows? Maybe along the way, he'll stumble onto something that really does work for him. But he'll never find out if he doesn't take that first step.
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