Teens Archives - Page 6 of 15

Teaching Values to Teens: 8 Ways to Build Character in Your Teens

Updated on February 5, 2024 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

Do you wonder if your teen is maturing and developing well?

As a parent, you love your children unconditionally. But they don’t always display the values and character traits you wish they would.

If you’re frustrated by your teenagers’ bad attitude, irresponsible behavior, impatience, or lack of motivation…

… it’s a common situation that parents find themselves in.

You can still help your teens to grow into caring, courageous, and confident adults who contribute to society.

One of the best ways to ensure this is to teach your teens the right values.

Values help teens make better decisions, focus on positive goals, and take responsibility for their actions. They act as an internal compass to guide your teens’ choices and behavior.

How do values do all of this? By boosting intrinsic motivation.

This type of motivation can transform your teens’ approach to school, work, friendships, and family life.

For example, teens who value self-discipline and knowledge will study because it’s meaningful to work hard and learn new things. They won’t study just to get an A or avoid punishment.

To give your teens the best chance at finding fulfillment and success, follow these tips to help them develop the right values.

(And if your teen lacks motivation, make sure to download the e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

Tip #1: Model the values you want your teen to have

This tip might seem obvious. But your actions and words greatly influence your teenagers’ behavior, attitude, and beliefs.

How you respond to a stressful event or approach an argument influences how your teens will react when they face a similar situation.

For example, it’s important to stay calm when explaining to your teens why you felt frustrated that they didn’t finish their chores.

By talking calmly to your teens – instead of shouting – you’re demonstrating that respect is a value that matters to you.

Other examples of how to model certain values for your teens include:

Self-discipline: Having a morning routine, always being punctual, eating healthily, exercising regularly.
Generosity: Giving to those in need, helping neighbors, doing favors without expecting anything in return.
Excellence: Putting aside distractions and focusing on the task at hand, doing small things (like making your bed) well, going the extra mile to serve and help others
Integrity: Owning up to mistakes, not blaming others, not lying even if it affects you negatively, not cutting corners.

Tip #2: Be aware of teachable moments

Teachable moments are opportunities to help your teens learn valuable lessons.

Most teachable moments occur when your teens have made a mistake.

Keep an eye out for these moments because you can use them to show your teens how to live out their values in practical ways.

A teachable moment is not the time to give a lecture. Your teens probably already know that they’ve messed up.

As a parent, you can help your teens to identify habits and behaviors that go against their values.

For example, if your teen is frustrated with himself for not doing well on an exam, you can listen to him as he shares his feelings. Refrain from criticizing or lecturing him.

Understand what values matter to him. Help him to see if there is a gap between his actual habits and his ideal habits, based on the kind of person he wants to become.

Discuss with him ways that he can ensure that his future behavior will be aligned with his values.

When you recognize these teachable moments, you can use them to help your teens become more resilient, confident, and persistent.

Tip #3: Regularly discuss values at home

Talk about your values and the values you admire in others.

While you can’t force teens to share your values, you can help them to think about what values matter most to them.

How do they want to be treated, and how do they treat others? How do they decide what to do in tough situations?

Periodically share with them what’s most important to you and why. This will highlight the role of values in living a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Here are a few approaches you can try:

Ask your teens about their values. You could bring up the topic over dinner or when your teens seem relaxed. Ask them about what kind of person they want to become.
Ask your teens about how they view the role of values in family, society, etc. Take the time to understand their opinions and perspectives.
Discuss the values demonstrated in various shows, videos, games, etc. Don’t cast judgment on your teens’ hobbies or preferences. Instead, have an open conversation with them about the values demonstrated in various shows, videos, games, etc. and whether those values have an influence on them.

Tip #4: Volunteer together with your teen

Getting out into the community and volunteering with your teens is a way to put values into practice.

Your teens will learn about compassion, gratitude, and being of service to others.

In addition, volunteering can improve health, boost confidence, and provide your teens with an opportunity to learn new skills.

The right volunteering opportunity will also connect your teens with others who share similar values.

What’s more, doing volunteer work with your teens allows you to spend quality time together.

Of course, you can’t force your teens to volunteer if they really don’t want to. But hopefully, they’ll at least see the joy and meaning you find in volunteering.

Here are some volunteering opportunities you could explore with your teenagers:

Helping out at an animal shelter
Distributing food at a food bank
Volunteering at a library
Tutoring underprivileged children
Cleaning up parks and playgrounds

Tip #5: Support your teen during tough times

Adolescence is full of challenges. Here are some statistics to illustrate the issues teens face:

19% of students have experienced bullying at school
14.9% of teens have experienced cyberbullying
12.8% of youths aged 12 to 17 have experienced major depressive episodes

As a parent, it’s important not to write your teens’ issues off as “childish” or “just a phase.” To find healthy ways to handle and overcome these issues, your teens will need your support.

When you go through challenging times yourself, share with your teenagers what you’re learning and how you’re growing as a person.

Resilience helps teens recover from setbacks and failures in life. It also enables teens to counteract stress and develop confidence in their abilities.

Tip #6: Recognize when your teen demonstrates good values

When your teens demonstrate good values, acknowledge their growth.

If your teens volunteer at an animal shelter over the weekend, drive them there if you can and ask them about the experience when they get home.

If your teens spend a few hours picking up litter at a park, drop by with drinks and snacks for them.

Your teens will realize that showing kindness and serving others are intrinsically meaningful.

And when you praise your teens for displaying good values, make sure to focus on praising the process rather than the outcome.

Tip #7: Look out for who is influencing your teen

You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. – Jim Rohn

Do you know who your teens hang out with? Do their friends display good values and behavior?

Here are some ways to reduce the likelihood that your teens will give in to negative influences:

Have honest and open conversations with your teens. Share your thoughts and concerns with your teenagers, while making it clear that you know you can’t completely control who they hang out with.
Refraining from saying bad things about your teens’ friends. Even if you dislike your teens’ friends, don’t criticize them harshly because your teens probably won’t take it well.
Help your teens to see situations as they are. For example, if you’ve noticed that your daughter’s friend frequently insults her, talk to her about setting healthy boundaries.
Get to know your teens’ friends and their families. Invite your teens’ friends to spend time at your house, and have their families come over for a meal too.

Tip #8: Share your experiences (without lecturing!)

Do you remember the challenges you faced as a teen? Throughout your life, what experiences helped you develop your core values?

Share such experiences with your teens.

Tell your teenagers about the values that are closest to your heart. Describe how you’ve been trying to live out those values in practical ways.

And show your teens how this journey of embodying those values has made your life richer and more fulfilling.

Conclusion

Values are the bedrock of your teenagers’ development.

The values they embrace will determine their choices and habits.

By instilling the right values in your teens, they’ll naturally become confident and responsible teens who lead purposeful lives!

(Don’t forget to download your e-book below, if you haven’t already done so.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

My Teenager Hates Me: What Can I Do as a Parent?

Updated on July 1, 2025 By Daniel Wong 1 Comment

Have you ever thought to yourself, “My teenager hates me”?

It’s more common than you might think for teens to say that they hate their parents.

As your teenager moves through adolescence, you may be on the receiving end of harsh words.

You may even feel like your teenager doesn’t want to spend time with family.

This can leave you feeling unappreciated, frustrated, and angry.

So what can you do to change your teen’s hurtful behavior and address your teen’s unmet emotional needs?

Learning some new parenting strategies is an excellent start.

The tips in this article will help you build a better and more respectful relationship with your teen.

Let’s start by exploring some common reasons why teens become angry with their parents.

(And if your teen also doesn’t listen to you, make sure to download the quick action guide below.)

FREE QUICK ACTION GUIDE:

Get your FREE copy of

10 Proven Ways to Get Your Teenager to Listen to You.

The tips are guaranteed to help you get through to your teen, so download your copy today!

Why do teenagers hate their parents?

Through the thousands of hours I’ve spent coaching teens 1-to-1, I’ve gained valuable insights into this issue.

I’ve uncovered common themes in what teenagers find annoying and frustrating about their parents.

Below is a list of the most common complaints I’ve heard from teens about their parents:

Reason #1: Their parents frequently remind them not to waste their potential

Telling teens that they aren’t living up to their potential may seem like a good idea – but it can have an adverse effect.

Teenagers often feel like a failure if they’re on the receiving end of this type of comment. It also leads teens to believe that their parents’ love is dependent on how successful they are.

Here’s what to do instead…

Without nagging or lecturing your teens, encourage them to reflect on their current situation. Help them to gain self-awareness without criticizing or reprimanding them. Ask them gently about what they plan to do to make progress.

Don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way. You can also make positive comments to acknowledge your teens’ effort when they work hard or implement good study habits, regardless of the outcome.

Reason #2: Their parents overreact to small mistakes

We all make mistakes. It’s a part of how we learn and grow.

But the way you respond to your teens’ mistakes can cause problems.

For example, your teenager might have lost track of time while hanging out with his friends. He’s now late in getting home, and you’re annoyed.

It’s important to take a step back and respond rather than react.

You can do this by first asking your teen why he’s late. Once you understand the situation better, you can then discuss strategies with him to prevent the same thing from happening in the future.

For example, he might decide to set an alarm on his phone as a reminder for him to start heading home.

The key is to not overreact. If you frequently overreact, it will create emotional distance between you and your teen.

Reason #3: Their parents continually criticize and nag them

When raising teenagers, there will be opportunities for you to provide constructive criticism. Nevertheless, no one enjoys receiving constant criticism.

If you continually criticize your teens, it will hurt their self-esteem. Your teens might even become convinced that it’s impossible to live up to your expectations.

Try replacing negative comments with acknowledgments of your teens’ progress. Make a positive comment whenever you observe your teens trying hard or behaving responsibly.

This is a fantastic way to motivate your teenagers and show them that you’re their biggest supporter.

Reason #4: Their parents overemphasize academic achievement

Academics are important. But they aren’t the only aspect of your teens’ life worth discussing.

Rather than only asking your teens questions related to school, focus on building a connection with them. Try starting conversations by talking about things that your teens are interested in.

Find out more about what they like and dislike, and about what their perspective is on various issues.

The deeper the connection you have with your teens, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to influence them when it counts.

Reason #5: They feel disrespected by their parents

Nobody likes to be talked down to or treated disrespectfully.

Even though you have more knowledge and experience than your teenagers, avoid being condescending.

Think back to when you were a teenager. You probably thought you knew better than your parents, so don’t be surprised if your teens think they know better than you!

So treat your teens with respect, if not it’ll be hard for you to expect the same kind of treatment from them.

Reason #6: They feel as if their interests aren’t valued

As individuals, we all have unique interests. These are things that spark our curiosity or inspire us. It’s what makes us who we are.

Parents often overlook the things that matter to their teenagers. When you continually focus on how your teens are doing in their academics or sports, they may feel like you’re not treating them as people.

They may feel like you’re treating them as a project.

So try to not be dismissive of things that are important to your teens, but which you might think are a waste of time, e.g. gaming, shows, social media.

The more you get to know your teen, the more they will understand how much you care about them.

Reason #7: They feel pressured to pursue their parents’ dreams

As a parent, it can be tempting to view your teens as younger versions of yourself.

You work hard to provide opportunities for your teens to do things you couldn’t do when you were younger. Perhaps you overemphasize a certain career path or extracurricular interest.

But I encourage you not to do this. If you do, it will only end with frustration and disappointment.

Don’t pressure your teenagers to pursue your dreams.

Your teens have their own identities and interests. You need to respect their individuality and support them as they work toward goals they find meaningful.

Reason #8: Their parents refuse to apologize when they’re wrong

One of the reasons your teenagers may hate you is that you never – or almost never – apologize.

As a parent, it can be tough to admit when you’re wrong. The truth is, anyone you’ve harmed through your words or actions deserves an apology.

If you’re in the wrong or you’ve messed up, acknowledge it to your teens.

Apologizing takes courage, but it models responsible behavior for your teenagers. It can inspire them to do the same when faced with a similar situation.

Reason #9: Their parents don’t include them in the decision-making process

As teens get older, they’ll start to test existing boundaries. This is normal! Teens are in the process of figuring out who they are and taking steps toward independence.

As such, it only makes sense to include your teens in setting rules and boundaries.

This doesn’t mean you should become a pushover. Working in collaboration to establish healthy boundaries is beneficial to both parents and teens.

An additional bonus is that your teen will see that you’re willing to negotiate.

For example, let’s say you want to set a curfew. This will give you peace of mind while also teaching your teen the importance of responsibility.

You can sit down together and decide on an appropriate time. As a parent, you have the final say, but the goal is to have a respectful discussion.

By involving teens in the decision-making process, you empower them to be more responsible. At the same time, they’ll also develop negotiation skills.

Reason #10: Their parents don’t really listen to them

The best person to answer the question, “Why does my teenager hate me?” is your teenager. If you listen carefully, you’ll come to understand why he or she feels resentful or frustrated.

Listening is one of the greatest gifts you can give your teenager.

Some teenagers go through a phase where they spend more time alone as they deal with difficult issues. This reluctance to open up can cause them to be misunderstood.

As a parent, it’s important to learn specific strategies for how to talk to teens. Invite them to open up and listen without judgment when they do. The key is to go beyond just listening and make sure your teens feel heard and supported.

Reason #11: Their parents downplay their feelings

When your teenagers are upset, the last thing they want to hear is, “Oh, it’s nothing to get upset about.”

So don’t dismiss or downplay your teens’ feelings. Doing so invalidates and minimizes issues that are important to your teens.

If this continues, your teens will eventually stop opening up to you.

Be there for your teens not only in the good times, but also in the tough times. It can be a great relief for teenagers to express anger, sadness, or frustration and know their parents will support them instead of judging them.

Reason #12: Their parents focus on rules and neglect the relationship

Every household needs rules to ensure everything runs smoothly. But making rules the focal point of everything is ineffective. It can also hurt your relationship with your teen.

For example, let’s say that you and your family have agreed to eat dinner together at 7pm. But your teen suddenly feels like eating earlier because she needs to work on an assignment. This isn’t the end of the world!

Yes, family time is important, but your teen also needs some flexibility. So you can discuss with her how you can work around this situation while still understanding the values that matter to your family.

As with many things, balance is key.

Conclusion

As a parent, there are a variety of ways to mend the relationship with your teen. So don’t lose hope!

Start by identifying which of the reasons listed in this article ring true for you and your teen. Then, put the relevant tips into practice to help your teen become less frustrated and resentful.

As you do this, you’ll bring out the best in your teen and strengthen the relationship too.

And if your teenager is also unmotivated or irresponsible, try my online course for parents of teens. It’s a step-by-step system called Transform Your Teen Today. It’s been proven to work and it even comes with a 100% money-back guarantee!

FREE QUICK ACTION GUIDE:

Get your FREE copy of

10 Proven Ways to Get Your Teenager to Listen to You.

The tips are guaranteed to help you get through to your teen, so download your copy today!

How to Choose the Right Coach for Your Teen

Updated on August 28, 2025 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Every teen needs guidance to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

But as a parent, you’ve probably noticed that your teen frequently rejects your guidance.

The more you tell your teen what choices he or she ought to make, the less likely your teen is to listen.

So what should you do?

Connect your teen with an experienced coach. A skilled coach and mentor can transform unmotivated teens into motivated and responsible young adults.

These positive changes can ease the tension in your relationship with your teen. For many parents, this is the biggest benefit of finding the right coach.

How should you choose the right coach for your teen?

Every teen has unique challenges to overcome and opportunities to make the most of. So it’s important to look for a coach who has the right combination of skills and experience to meet your teen’s needs.

Here’s what to do first…

Identify the goals to be achieved through coaching

When a coach works with teenagers, the focus isn’t usually just on academics. If school performance is a concern you have about your teenager, a holistic approach is most effective.

A coach can work with your teen to develop the intrinsic motivation needed to do well in school. A coach will also help your teenager to develop the mindset and practical skills necessary to thrive.

This process involves many aspects of development for your teen. So it helps to start your search for a coach by listing the main concerns you have about your teenager.

Think about the outcomes you want to achieve through the coaching sessions. Ask yourself questions like:

Why am I looking for a coach for my teen?
What do I want my teen to learn through the coaching sessions?
Which areas does my teen need the most guidance in?

Below are some common areas for improvement that I help my teenage coaching clients to make progress in:

Common area for improvement #1: Motivation

A lack of intrinsic motivation is a common but serious problem that many teenagers struggle with.

A coach can help teens to find the inner drive to learn and improve. As a result, these teenagers will be able to reach their full potential in school and life.

Common area for improvement #2: Responsibility

Do you think your teen sometimes behaves irresponsibly?

If so, you’re not alone.

Teens need to learn to make wise decisions, but the desire to do so has to come from within. A coach can help teens shift towards more responsible and mature behavior.

Common area for improvement #3: Sense of purpose

Many teenagers coast through life without a strong sense of purpose.

A lack of direction can lead to frustration for both teens and their parents. It’s difficult for many teens to understand how to make meaningful choices and lead a meaningful life.

At a time when they’re making important decisions about the future, a sense of purpose can guide your teen in the right direction.

A coach can help your teen to cultivate passion and live a life that’s founded on the right values.

Common area for improvement #4: Attitude and mindset

We all know how important it is to develop mental strength. But many teens lack the fortitude to overcome challenges and setbacks.

Coaching can enable teens to become more process-oriented and resilient. Instead of focusing too much on grades or achievement, they’ll learn to find joy in the process of attaining mastery.

As such, they’ll develop a more positive attitude toward school and other areas of life.

Common area for improvement #5: Respect

Respect for authority figures – especially parents – can be dramatically improved through coaching.

You’re probably already aware that teenagers’ disrespectful behavior can damage relationships and cause frustration for everyone involved.

The right coach can help your teen to understand the importance of respect, such that your teen will change his or her behavior for the better.

Common area for improvement #6: Time management

Coaching will equip your teenager with the skills needed to manage his or her time effectively.

Your teen will learn how to reduce procrastination and overcome distractions. Your teen will also learn how to stay organized and prioritize well.

These time management skills will benefit your teenager both in the short term and the long term!

Common area for improvement #7: Study skills

As a parent, you know it can sometimes be hard to get a teen to study.

Some teens lack the motivation to study, while others need more practical support. Coaching addresses both of these issues.

If your teenager doesn’t know how to study effectively, ensure that the coach you engage is able to teach study skills.

Here’s what to look for in a coach…

The right coach is uniquely qualified to guide teens to become motivated, confident, and responsible. The right coach empowers teens to thrive and to maximize their potential.

So what factors should you consider when looking for a coach for your teen?

1. Experience and background

Look for a coach who specializes in working with teens. Choose a coach who has experience working with teens who face similar problems as your teen.

2. Expertise

Take a look at the articles and books the coach has written, the videos the coach has published, the interviews the coach has done, the talks the coach has given, etc. These should demonstrate the coach’s knowledge and expertise.

3. Professional development

You’re looking to engage someone who will inspire your teen to grow and develop. So the coach you choose should be an example of someone who embraces lifelong learning. Coaches who continually strive to improve themselves are in the best position to mentor your teenager.

4. Proven results

Read the testimonials and success stories of the coach’s previous clients to see if the coach has a proven track record.

Questions to ask a potential coach

If you’ve found a coach for your teen who seems suitable, here are some questions to ask:

Question #1: What coaching methodology do you use?

Find out how the coach plans to guide your teen toward making positive changes.

What approaches or techniques does the coach use? What is his or her coaching philosophy? What makes his or her approach effective?

Question #2: Do you offer a trial session?

A trial session is a great way to see how well your teen and the coach get along. The better the connection, the more likely it is that your teen will benefit from the coaching sessions.

Question #3: What’s your availability like?

Given your teen’s schedule and commitments, does the coach have available slots to work with your teen? Can the coach start the sessions right away, or is there a waiting list?

Question #4: What’s the structure of the coaching sessions?

Here are some related questions:

What’s the recommended frequency of the coaching sessions?
How long is each session?
Will you provide periodic updates to the parents?
Do I pay for the sessions one at a time, or do you offer some kind of package?
What’s your refund policy?

Conclusion

No matter what challenges your teenager is facing, I hope you’re now convinced that he or she would benefit from coaching.

And after reading this article, I hope you also know how to choose the right coach for your teenager.

Over the past decade, I’ve spent many thousands of hours coaching teenagers 1-to-1. It brings me incredible joy to see my teenage coaching clients become motivated, confident, resilient, purpose-driven, and responsible!

To find out more about the 1-to-1 coaching program I offer for teenagers, visit this page. Or you can also click the link in the box below…

VISIT THIS PAGE NEXT:

1-to-1 Coaching Program for Teens (With Daniel Wong)

Coaching for Teens: Can It Help My Teen to Become Motivated?

Updated on August 28, 2025 By Daniel Wong 1 Comment

Are you having a hard time getting your teenager to study, do chores, or participate in family activities?

Maybe you’ve noticed that your teenager seems unmotivated and directionless.

You’ve been watching your teenager avoid challenges, behave irresponsibly, and spend hours on his or her phone.

As a parent, you’ve been doing everything you can think of to get through to your teenager.

If this sounds like the situation in your home, it’s time to consider engaging a coach for your teenager.

Your teenager’s performance in all areas of life will greatly improve when he or she connects with an experienced coach.

This article explores the purpose of coaching, so you can decide if it’s the right solution for your teenager.

Signs that your teen needs a coach

Here are some indicators that your teen would benefit from working with a coach:

Sign #1: Your teen lacks motivation or has a negative attitude

A particular situation or event can cause teenagers to develop negative thoughts and a negative attitude.

For example, your teen may dislike a particular teacher, so he or she stops attending class.

Or maybe your teen feels overwhelmed by everything going on in school, so he or she procrastinates as a way of escape.

A coach can help your teen to become more self-aware and inspire your teen to change for the better.

Sign #2: Your teen lacks organizational skills

Here are some signs that your teen lacks organizational skills:

Your teen forgets to submit homework on time
Your teen misplaces his or her personal items
Your teen doesn’t plan ahead
Your teen doesn’t prepare well for tests and exams
Your teen doesn’t keep track of events and deadlines
Your teen doesn’t prioritize well

A coach can work with your teenager to equip him or her with the planning and organizational skills needed to cope with the demands of school, extra-curricular activities, etc.

This process will also prepare your teen for the future, where organizational skills will matter even more in the workplace and in managing adult life.

Sign #3: Your teen is addicted to texting, gaming, social media, videos, shows, etc.

Do you frequently find your teenager in front of the TV, computer, or on his or her phone?

It’s easy for teenagers can get caught up in the digital world, which is often entertaining and addictive.

A coach can work with your teenager to find the right balance. A coach can also enable your teenager to develop healthy habits when it comes to screen time.

Sign #4: Your teen gives up easily or struggles with anxiety

Teens who lack resilience often give up when they’re faced with challenges or with tasks that require significant effort.

If this describes your teen, a coach can work with him or her to get to the root of the issue. A coach can guide your teen toward developing perseverance and a strong work ethic.

Sometimes teens need to learn strategies to break down big projects into smaller tasks. They may also need to learn to view challenges positively instead of negatively. A skilled coach will be able to help your teen in these areas too.

What benefits will your teen receive through working with a coach?

An experienced coach is trained to help teenagers overcome their struggles so they can confidently face the future.

Here are some benefits your teen will receive through working with a coach:

Benefit #1: Your teen will develop a sense of purpose

Coaching will change your teen’s perception that school, extracurricular activities, family commitments, etc. are boring or pointless.

When teens have a strong sense of purpose, they naturally develop intrinsic motivation in all areas of their lives.

Benefit #2: Your teen will find a renewed passion for learning

At times, it may seem impossible for you to motivate your teen to study. But with support from a coach, your teen will take ownership of his or her education.

A coach will guide your teenager to develop traits like focus, confidence, and discipline. Your teen will start to take school seriously and will become an effective student.

Benefit #3: Your teen will become responsible and will make good decisions

Irresponsible choices can lead teens down the wrong path in life. Coaching will help your teenager develop responsibility and make wise decisions.

A coach will ensure that your teen has the right foundation for becoming a trustworthy and competent adult. When faced with tough choices, your teen will be equipped to choose the best path forward.

Benefit #4: Your teen will build healthy habits

Healthy habits are the building blocks of a successful and balanced life. But it isn’t always easy for parents to get their teenagers to develop new habits or eliminate harmful behaviors or thought patterns.

This is where coaching comes in.

A coach will teach your teenager how to develop the right habits and will ensure that the habits formed are permanent.

Benefit #5: Your teen will plan for the future

A coach will guide your teen to think long-term instead of short-term. Your teen will plan for the future effectively and set meaningful goals that he or she feels inspired to work toward.

At the same time, your teen will implement customized strategies to reach those goals.

Conclusion

At some point, most teenagers will lack motivation, focus, and direction.

I encourage you to get help for your teen as soon as possible, before the situation worsens.

After reading this article, I hope you’re now aware of how your teen would benefit from coaching.

To learn more about choosing a suitable coach for your teen, read this article next. Alternatively, you can click the link in the box below…

READ THIS ARTICLE NEXT:

How to Choose the Right Coach for Your Teen

Unmotivated Teenagers: What’s Really Going On? (And How Parents Can Help)

Updated on November 18, 2025 By Daniel Wong 19 Comments

Are you concerned that your teenager isn’t making the most of his or her potential?

Or do you worry that your teenager lacks focus?

Unmotivated teenagers cause their parents a lot of stress and frustration.

During adolescence, teens often deal with challenges like peer pressure, bullying, school-related stress, etc. These issues can affect teens’ motivation by causing them to feel overwhelmed or lost.

Parenting teens is hard, and you’re not alone if you feel like you’ve tried everything to motivate your teenager.

This article explores the possible explanations for what’s going on with unmotivated teenagers. We’ll also explore what you – as a parent – can do to help.

Of course, there are times when unmotivated teens will need professional support. This is something that we’ll discuss toward the end of the article.

Let me start by asking this question…

READ THIS ARTICLE NEXT:

Coaching for Teens: Can It Help My Teen to Become Motivated?

Why does your teenager lack motivation?

It’s essential to understand what your teenagers are going through before concluding that they’re “unmotivated.”

Perhaps you even wonder if you are doing enough to keep your teenagers motivated.

So let’s take a closer look at these 8 common reasons for teens’ lack of motivation.

Reason #1: Your teen feels discouraged or overwhelmed

Growing up and developing into a young adult is a journey that has many ups and downs. Teenagers frequently feel overwhelmed, both in school and in their personal lives.

When it comes to school, the workload alone can feel daunting. Whether they’re struggling to focus in class or are unable to keep up with the work, your teenagers may be feeling distressed.

As teens get older, the material they learn in school gets significantly harder. At the same time, they become busier with extracurricular activities and their social life.

As such, most teens struggle to lead balanced lives.

Over time, self-doubt can arise in teenagers. On the outside, this may look like a lack of motivation, when the underlying emotion is actually discouragement.

Here’s where you can guide your teenagers toward understanding the power of focus and time management. Talk to them about which activities they could focus on and which to scale back on.

Of course, you should make it clear that you’re there to support your teens, but that they are fully responsible for their choices.

Reason #2: Your teen isn’t taking care of his or her physical health

Teenagers crave independence and want to make their own choices. Teens want to exercise their decision-making abilities in many areas, including their food choices, the physical activities they participate in, and when they go to bed.

Teens who consume sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks will have poor energy levels. The same thing will happen if they don’t exercise regularly.

Research shows that sedentary behavior can lead to anxiety, depression, poor mental capacity, loss of concentration, and even a decline in memory. Being sleep-deprived – which most teens are – doesn’t help the situation!

Considering the factors above, you can see why your teen might lack enthusiasm or seem listless. Proper diet, exercise, and sleep are essential elements for students who are motivated to give their best.

To help your teens lead a healthy lifestyle, you can try organizing family outings that involve hiking or biking. Even going for a walk as a family once or twice a week is a good start.

You can also plan healthy dinners. Remove junk food from your home and keep healthy snacks on hand.

And it’s vital that you lead by example in taking care of your own physical health!

Reason #3: Your teen feels like he or she is being micromanaged

Nobody likes to be micromanaged.

Statistics show that 59% of adults have experienced being micromanaged at some point in their working life. Of those who reported working for a micromanager, 68% said it had decreased their morale, and 55% claimed it had hurt their productivity.

Your teens aren’t your employees, but you may be treating them like they are.

Teens crave independence and being trusted to make their own decisions.

So if you talk down to your teens, it can result in rebellious behavior. They may start to act out and defy your instructions.

Be mindful not to control every aspect of your teenagers’ lives. If safety isn’t an issue, allow them to make their own choices as far as possible. Some relevant areas would be clothes, food, choice of friends, and when they do their homework.

The more control you exert, the more likely they’ll be unmotivated teenagers.

Instead, include your teens in the decision-making process as much as possible. This would be applicable when it comes to establishing rules and boundaries.

By doing this, your teenagers will be more likely to comply with those rules. This means that you won’t be forced to micromanage them, so it’s a win-win situation!

Reason #4: Your teen doesn’t see the purpose of what he or she is being asked to do

How often have you asked your teens to complete some chores or to stop using their phone so much?

And how often have your teens ignored your requests?

Teenagers won’t want to do these things if they don’t understand or agree with the reasons you give them.

You may think you’re dealing with unmotivated teenagers. But maybe they just don’t see why they need to do the chores now instead of later, or why they should stop using their phone when they’ve already completed their homework.

Focus on the intrinsic value of what you’re asking your teens to do, e.g. contributing to the family, becoming a more disciplined person, developing traits like commitment and perseverance.

Of course, it’s important that you periodically talk to your teens about what values matter to them. It’s also important that you appreciate your teens sincerely when they fulfill their responsibilities.

When your teens focus on the intrinsic value of what they’re doing – not just on the practical benefits they’ll receive – they’ll develop a sense of purpose. They’ll also find the inner motivation to do the things that matter.

Reason #5: Your teen doesn’t know how to prioritize

The concept of organization doesn’t just apply to items your teens own. It also refers to how your teens prioritize their tasks.

Prioritizing allows your teens to sort through everything on their agenda and decide how best to complete those tasks.

Teens who haven’t learned how to prioritize often feel like they don’t know where to start. They end up getting distracted instead, which causes them to seem unmotivated.

If your teens know how to create lists and keep track of events and deadlines, they’ll be less stressed. They’ll procrastinate less, and they’ll stay on top of their tasks.

According to research, people who finish their most difficult tasks first are more productive than people who start with their easy tasks.

Reason #6: Your teen feels forced into doing things

No one likes to feel pressured into doing things they don’t want to do – teenagers especially.

So don’t spend too much time trying to force your teen to behave in a certain way, or you’ll both end up feeling frustrated.

Many parents use rewards to motivate their teens to perform certain tasks. But if you use this approach frequently, your teens will become outcome-oriented instead of process-oriented.

They’ll start to focus on the benefits they’ll receive if they perform the task, rather than focusing on the intrinsic value of the task. This will result in long-term negative consequences.

What’s more, your teenagers are likely to become more unmotivated over time.

So what should you do instead?

Try having a problem-solving conversation with your teens. Understanding their perspective will help you learn what support they need. You’ll also learn how you can be a better parent to them.

Make sure to use active listening techniques when speaking with your teenagers, e.g. maintaining eye contact, paying attention to body language, asking clarifying questions. Your teens will be more willing to share how they feel if they know you’re really listening to them.

Reason #7: Your teen has a learning disability

Learning disabilities can hinder a teen’s ability to comprehend or retain information.

Simple equations may be challenging to remember, or basic grammar rules may cause confusion.

Here are a few common learning disabilities:

Dyslexia. This is a learning disorder in which people find it hard to read. This is because of problems identifying sounds of speech and how they relate to letters.
Dyscalculia. This is a learning disorder that causes people to have trouble learning math. These difficulties can include problems doing both basic and abstract math.
Dysgraphia. This neurological condition makes it difficult for people to turn their thoughts into written words. This can also affect handwriting and writing speed.

A related condition is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to poor planning and time management, impulsiveness, a lack of concentration, disorganization, etc.

Reason #8: Your teen doesn’t have a mentor or coach

A mentor or coach is the little-known factor that enables teenagers to become both successful and happy.

It’s hard for parents to mentor their teens. This is because teens often interpret parental advice as nagging or lecturing.

Having a mentor benefits teenagers as they navigate their educational and life journeys. Research even shows that teenagers with mentors experience higher levels of life satisfaction.

Finding someone to fill this role can be challenging because it’s rare to have a family friend or relative who can serve as a mentor. Few adults can fully understand your teen’s challenges and guide your teen effectively.

This is where a more formal arrangement – like engaging a coach – can help.

Professionals who can help your unmotivated teen

If your teenager lacks motivation or faces other related challenges, you might be considering engaging a professional to help him or her.

Professional support comes in many forms, each serving a different purpose.

Here are the professionals who may be able to help your teen, depending on what issues your teen is dealing with:

1. Therapist or counselor

Main objective: To help teens work through trauma or emotional distress.

A therapist or counselor can help teens work through emotions related to trauma, physical abuse, or other situations causing ongoing emotional distress.

2. Psychologist or psychiatrist

Main objective: To treat teens who have mental disorders and mental illnesses.

A psychologist can help teens who have emotional problems and provide treatment for mental health-related issues. This often involves some kind of behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who treats mental illnesses. Psychiatrists frequently prescribe medications that they think may help the patient’s condition.

3. Tutor

Main objective: To help focused and driven teens improve in specific academic areas.

Engaging a tutor is a good option for teens who are already motivated and focused, but who just need some additional assistance in a specific subject.

4. Coach

Main objective: To equip teens with the mindset and tools needed to become motivated, focused, confident, resilient, and responsible.

Engaging a coach is a solution that many parents haven’t considered.

Coaches specialize in guiding teens who are going through a difficult time, who have a learning disability, who lack motivation, or who are struggling to overcome various challenges.

Coaches help teens become more resilient, understand the importance of education, overcome a negative mindset, develop planning and organizational skills, etc.

So if your teens don’t have a strong sense of purpose, give up easily, frequently get distracted, or lack self-confidence and a sense of responsibility – then connecting them with a coach will benefit them tremendously.

A coach might be just what your teen needs!

To learn more about how your teen might benefit from coaching, read this article next. Or you can also click the link in the box below…

READ THIS ARTICLE NEXT:

Coaching for Teens: Can It Help My Teen to Become Motivated?

8 Risky Teen Behaviours: What Parents Need to Know

Updated on November 21, 2024 By Daniel Wong 7 Comments

Adolescence is when teenagers discover their passions, develop lifelong friendships, and push boundaries.

But this newfound sense of freedom sometimes leads to risky teenage behaviours. This can cause significant stress for parents.

The ability to stay grounded and understand the consequences of risky behaviour is the key to your teen making the right choices.

What might seem fun in the moment could end badly.

So let’s take a closer look at 8 common teenage risky behaviours and what you, as a parent, can do.

(If your teen lacks motivation, make sure to download the free e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

1. Risky sexual behaviour

Being curious about sex is a natural part of growing up.

As a Christian, I believe in abstinence until marriage. But for others who aren’t religious, the main consideration might be practising safe sex.

Unsafe sex can affect your teen’s health and future because of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy, among other things.

The CDC found that almost half of the 26 million new cases of STDs in the US were among those aged 15-24. This underscores the dangers of risky sexual behaviour.

STDs can have lifelong effects. As you’re already aware of, the main ways to prevent getting an STD are abstinence and using protection.

Parenting teens is tough, but educating them on dating and the dangers of unprotected sex is essential. More than that, have open and honest conversations with your teens about their views toward sex, pornography, unplanned pregnancies, and STDs.

Only when you understand their perspective can you have meaningful conversations with them about making the right choices when it comes to sex.

2. Behaviour that leads to unintentional injuries

Many teenagers seek thrills and adventures. They might decide to bike through the forest or try dangerous skateboarding tricks.

These kinds of activities can lead to unintentional injuries.

According to GOV.UK, unintentional injuries are a leading cause of preventable death and severe disability among young people.

Teenagers may not take safety precautions seriously. For example, they might not wear a helmet or protective gear when riding a bike or skateboarding.

Risky behaviour on the roads, such as not wearing seat belts, is another leading cause of unintentional injury. Public Health England has created detailed guidelines to reduce these types of injuries on the roads.

Talk to your teens about the importance of wearing protective gear and driving safely. Find out how your teens assess risk and what factors influence their decision-making process.

3. Vaping and tobacco use

Peer pressure and a desire to “fit in” are common themes during adolescence.

Research shows that nicotine use during adolescence can adversely affect the brain. The areas of the brain most affected are responsible for attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

Teenagers who rebelled against authority and smoked used to be seen as cool. But many teenagers today are put off by the ill effects of smoking, such as discoloured teeth, bad breath, respiratory issues, and cancers of the mouth and lungs.

Today, vaping is the “cool” thing. Statistics show that vaping is becoming more common, with 26.5% of high schoolers using disposable e-cigarettes, compared to only 2.4% a few years ago.

There’s no question that nicotine – no matter what form it takes – is addictive.

So make sure your teens know the risks of vaping. Once again, it’s always a good idea to have open discussions with your teens about vaping and smoking so that you know what their views are on the topic.

4. Poor eating habits

You may have heard the phrase “you are what you eat”. There’s truth to this statement.

As your teens begin to make their own food choices, their standards may start to slip. This is when unhealthy dietary habits can begin to develop.

Teenagers may opt for sugary drinks or unhealthy snacks that taste good but have little nutritional value.

A poor diet will almost definitely lead to serious consequences later in life. Various health issues, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity, can result from bad eating habits.

Skipping meals and drinking too many energy drinks are other dietary choices that can impact your teen’s health.

At the same time, teenagers often feel the pressure to have a “perfect” body. This pressure can cause them to restrict their calorie intake excessively. This can lead to eating disorders and vitamin deficiencies.

Keep the lines of communication with your teens open, so you’ll be able to support and guide them to make good choices when it comes to their dietary habits.

5. Alcohol and drug use

The teenage years are a time of self-discovery and – at times – rebellion.

Alcohol and drug use are common ways for teens to rebel against authority and also feel grown up.

But one drink can quickly lead to another, and before your teens know it, they’ve had too much.

With alcohol and drugs, it doesn’t take much to put your teen at severe risk.

Alcohol is often the gateway to other substances such as cocaine, inhalants, marijuana, methamphetamines, steroids, and prescription drugs.

When teenagers are exposed to such substances, they become vulnerable to several dangers. These dangers include accidental overdose, toxic drugs, and addiction.

Teens might experiment with alcohol and drugs for many reasons. They might feel curious, or they might want to fit in.

But many teens never fully consider the associated dangers. What may seem like a bit of weekend fun can lead to bad grades, health problems, or even a lifetime of addiction.

Not surprisingly, researchers have found that the earlier people begin to abuse drugs, the greater their chances of developing a serious addiction.

Maintaining a good relationship with your teens and listening to their points of view is the key to motivating your teens to make good decisions when it comes to alcohol and drug use.

6. Social media

The number of people who use social media regularly, and the amount of time spent online, is continually increasing.

Most teens use social media to communicate with their friends and meet new people. Some teens spend hours mindlessly scrolling through social media, to the point where it takes over their lives.

Social media addiction is a real threat to teenagers, so it’s something that parents need to look out for.

What’s more, the Internet is an especially dangerous place for vulnerable people. Cyberbullying is a common occurrence among teenagers. People hiding behind their screens aren’t afraid of leaving nasty comments or sending mean direct messages.

These comments and direct messages can damage your teen’s self-esteem.

So your teenagers need to learn to manage their social media usage. You can lead by example in this area by demonstrating to your teenagers what you’re doing to manage your own screen time and eliminate phone addiction.

7. Sexting

Technology enables us to communicate in a multitude of ways. But technology also makes it easy to send sexually explicit images.

Teens are curious and are more likely to experiment with sexting if their friends are doing it too.

To some people, sexting might not seem like a big deal, but it can have serious ramifications. Numerous studies show that sexting is associated with risky behaviours such as smoking and drug use.

Furthermore, sexting is associated with having multiple sexual partners, anxiety, and depression.

The images sent can easily be forwarded to unintended recipients. Sexting can lead to bullying, objectification, and extortion, just to name a few negative consequences. So sexting is something that teenagers should never engage in.

Have casual conversations with your teens to see what their views are toward sexting, so you’ll know how to approach the topic with them going forward.

8. Self-harm

Self-harm is often a coping mechanism for teenagers who are experiencing emotional pain.

Self-harm results in teens feeling temporarily relieved, before shame and guilt take over. In many cases, those who harm themselves hide their wounds from others.

Insufficient coping mechanisms and communication skills can lead to self-harm. Your teenager may be experiencing an internal struggle and may not have the tools to deal with it on his or her own.

Therapy and coaching can help to identify the underlying cause, and put your teen on the road to recovery.

Maintain a positive relationship with your teens to ensure they know they can come to you if they need help or support.

Conclusion

The journey through the teenage years is full of ups and downs.

Risky behaviours can be a normal part of growing up. But understanding the consequences of these behaviours and learning how to say no to them is essential.

Focus on building a strong relationship with your teens, and listen to their points of view without casting judgment. Over time, this will result in you being in a better position to influence them.

After all, lectures and nagging don’t work with teens. So your best bet is to keep the lines of communication wide open, because this will allow you to guide your teens toward making wise decisions.

All the best on this challenging but exciting journey with your teenagers!

(Don’t forget to download your free e-book below. It contains 16 proven tips that you can apply right away to help your teens become more motivated!)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

20 Best Books for Students to Get Motivated and Inspired

Updated on July 14, 2025 By Daniel Wong 4 Comments

The right book read at the right time has the power to change your life.

The best books for students open your mind to new possibilities, help you get on the correct path, and spark curiosity about the world.

Are you ready to discover the books you ought to read for your personal development?

Maybe you feel like it’s time to start thinking about your financial future. Or maybe you’re looking for a novel that will engage your imagination.

Then look no further!

From classical literature to personal growth, this list of 20 must-read books for students will help you to thrive. What’s more, reading is a great habit for students to develop.

(Before you read the rest of this article, make sure to download your free quick action guide below to enable you to overcome procrastination permanently!)

FREE QUICK ACTION GUIDE:

Get your FREE copy of

12 Guaranteed Ways for Students to Improve Focus and Reduce Procrastination.

The guide has already been downloaded thousands of times, so don't miss out!

20 must-read books for students

Check out these books for students who need a little inspiration or motivation:

Animal Farm by George Orwell
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
The Evolution of a Girl by L. E. Bowman
Indistractable by Nir Eyal
Elastic Habits by Stephen Guise
It’s Not About You by Tom Rath
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Just As You Are by Michelle Skeen and Kelly Skeen
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
Shoot Your Shot by Vernon Brundage Jr.
Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By by Cary Siegel
Do Hard Things by Alex Harris and Brett Harris
You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed
A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens by Katie Hurley
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens by Richard Carlson
In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these books to find out why they’re the best ones for students to read.

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell

Written in 1945 by George Orwell, Animal Farm is a political satire that takes place on a farm. The animals, tired of being exploited by their human masters, overthrow them and set up an egalitarian society.

But the animals in charge let the power get to their heads – power always corrupts. They use propaganda to gain power and control the other animals.

This book explores the theme of the ability of everyday individuals to stand up for what they believe in and for those who can’t stand up for themselves.

2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Beautifully written by French author Antoine de Saint- Exupéry, The Little Prince tells the story of a young boy living in a distant land with a unique flower – or so he thought.

Aware of the vanity of his flower, the little prince decides to leave his home. Arriving on Earth, he travels to a rose garden that has many flowers. This makes him realise that his flower isn’t unique.

Over time, the young boy meets a fox who teaches him to appreciate everything around him.

Initially struggling to look beneath the surface, as many adults do, the little prince masters the art of looking deeper to reveal the true beauty of life.

This book touches on the themes of love, friendship, courage, kindness, and loyalty – all of which you can learn to harness through your years as a student.

3. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Set in World War 2, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas tells the story of nine-year-old Bruno, the son of a German commandant.

Bruno forges a friendship with a boy the same age as him named Shmuel. Bruno is unaware of the purpose of the place where his father works, Auschwitz, and therefore doesn’t understand what is going on or the danger his friend is in.

The book tackles complex and difficult topics and presents themes of innocence and the importance of friendship and family ties.

4. The Evolution of a Girl by L.E. Bowman

The Evolution of a Girl by L.E. Bowman is a collection that uses poetry and stories to mirror the transformation of a young girl into a woman – a go-to guide for teenage girls.

The book shares a series of life lessons for young women on self-acceptance, self-love, and growth during these transitional years.

These lessons help girls develop a strength they can carry throughout their lives.

Bowman takes on themes of heartbreak and anger that lead to transformation and rebirth.

5. Indistractable by Nir Eyal

In Indistractable, Nir Eyal details the things that cause us to get distracted. The author explains why turning off all our devices (phones, computers, etc.) isn’t always the right way to overcome distractions.

If you want to succeed and make the most of your life, you need to avoid things that cause you to deviate from the path you need to be on.

You have to live your life not only doing the right things, but also not doing things you’ll regret later.

This is an excellent book for students, so I encourage you to read it right away!

6. Elastic Habits by Stephen Guise

Create lasting habits with this powerful book by Stephen Guise.

Elastic Habits shows you how to develop excellent habits by making minor changes each day.

Never miss a day! These mini-milestones can lead you towards establishing positive habits that will stay with you throughout your life.

What makes the concepts in this book helpful is that you’ll have flexibility in developing habits. You get to select the activity you want to work on, when you want to work on it, and how intense the effort will be.

You’ll find strategies to improve your study habits and make it more fun to pursue your goals!

7. It’s Not About You by Tom Rath

“Life is not about you. It’s about what you do for others.”

As a sixteen-year-old with a rare genetic disorder, Rath sought a meaningful life in the nurturing care of his family, including his grandfather, Don Clifton.

Rath teaches us how to answer life’s great questions in this empowering self-help memoir.

This book’s message teaches us that life’s greater purpose is to focus less on what we want to achieve and more on what we can do to contribute.

8. Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven

Make Your Bed contains ten life lessons that Admiral William H. McRaven learned during his Navy SEAL training.

These lessons helped him overcome challenges during his long Navy career and throughout his life.

As he writes in the book:

“Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.”

Starting the day by making your bed increases your motivation to move through your other daily tasks. As a result, your days will become more productive and fruitful.

9. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck explores the idea that we have two mindsets: fixed and growth.

The fixed mindset is a belief that your abilities are set in stone and that staying in your comfort zone is the best way to feel validated.

But developing a growth mindset is vital if you want to succeed in life and make the most of the opportunities you’re presented with.

The growth mindset is the belief that your fundamental qualities and abilities are things you can build upon and improve.

This book explains how your conscious and unconscious thoughts can affect you. It also explains how simple changes in the words you use can have a profound effect on your behaviour.

10. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

Teens today face new challenges like cyberbullying and constant online distractions.

Covey offers a simple, step-by-step approach to help teens boost their self-image, build healthy friendships, counter peer pressure, and reach their goals.

The main focus is on ensuring that you’re proactive because this paves the way for students to master the other habits.

The first three habits focus on self-improvement, while the next four habits cover topics to do with how we relate to others.

Students who want to improve their lives in significant ways should read this book!

11. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

This book aims to encourage you to adopt a powerful and energising morning routine.

A solid morning routine will catapult you towards success!

Elrod explains the six steps you can take every morning to get you on the right track:

Silence
Affirmations
Visualisation
Exercise
Reading
Scribing

12. Just As You Are by Michelle Skeen and Kelly Skeen

“Stop comparing yourself to others – you’re special just as you are!”

Offering many practical solutions, Just As You Are is a teen’s guide to self-acceptance and developing lasting self-esteem.

The series of insights from psychologist Michelle Skeen and her daughter, Kelly Skeen, consist of simple tips.

These tips will enable you to eliminate feelings of inadequacy, to stop comparing yourself with others, and to accept yourself fully.

13. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

“Don’t worry about your failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try…”

Jack Canfield gets to the heart of achieving enduring success in this book.

He writes about the numerous principles that helped him throughout his life. He shares them so that anyone can learn how to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.

As you read this book, you’ll understand how believing you can achieve your goals, working to achieve your goals, and taking full responsibility for your life will get you headed in the right direction.

14. Shoot Your Shot by Vernon Brundage Jr.

Many teenagers and students aspire to be just like their favourite athletes.

That’s precisely what this book is about.

Reading this book provides you with a chance to understand the tips and tricks of successful athletes that can also be integrated into your day-to-day life. As a result, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your goals.

Shoot Your Shot introduces the fundamental principles that elite basketball players follow, which will guide you as you strive to make the most of your potential.

15. Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By by Cary Siegel

Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? is a fantastic book for students who want to improve their money management skills.

In this book, you’ll discover eight lessons broken down into 99 clear and concise principles to help you manage your personal finances well.

What makes it one of the best books for students is that it isn’t a dry or boring read about money.

Instead, it contains interesting and practical examples to make the material relatable and memorable.

16. Do Hard Things by Alex Harris and Brett Harris

Rather than portraying adolescence as a time of escape from responsibility, Do Hard Things redefines the teenage years as a catapult for a meaningful life.

Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, the authors challenge you to get outside your comfort zone and do challenging things.

As a student, you’ll gain inspiration and clarity about the future through this fascinating book.

In fact, Alex Harris and Brett Harris were teens when they wrote the book.

Read the book and get ready to feel motivated to take on challenges and lead an extraordinary life!

17. You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed

This book invites teenagers to defy self-doubt, fearlessly explore and discover, and develop confidence in themselves.

You Are Awesome is an invitation to embrace change and stop doubting yourself.

Students will benefit from this book’s practicality and positivity. As you read the book, you’ll become more self-aware.

You’ll also become better prepared for whatever life throws at you.

18. A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens by Katie Hurley

This book‘s philosophy centres around the idea that harnessing positive thinking can increase your happiness and motivation to beat stress.

It will also help you to focus on achieving your goals.

A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens introduces principles and strategies to help students take action, overcome teenage anxiety, and build resilience.

This book is especially useful for teensagers who struggle with distorted or negative thinking that’s holding them back.

19. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times by Richard Carlson

Being a teen can be tough. Richard Carlson understands this, and explains in Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens how teenagers can learn to thrive.

The book covers various topics, including peer pressure, homework, dating, etc., through a series of inspirational essays.

Carlson offers different methods and advice to handle the challenges that teens face.

For example, he recommends that teens always look for the positive in a given situation, and remember that they can make a difference in the world.

This is a must-read book for students!

20. In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park

Yeonmi Park shares her fascinating story in In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom.

She writes honestly about the fear of living under a dictatorship, the threat of dying from disease and starvation, and even execution.

She fled North Korea at the age of 13 and she hoped to reunite with her sister. She made it to China, only to be forced into human trafficking.

When she finally found freedom in South Korea, she encountered further challenges that she eventually overcame.

This is an exhilarating and heartrending book that will change the way you look at the world.

Conclusion

Don’t underestimate the power of books during your student years.

Why not save this list of the 20 best books for students and make your way through them in your leisure time?

It’s an investment of time that will definitely pay off!

(And if you’d like a free quick action guide to enable you to overcome procrastination once and for all, make sure to download the PDF below.)

FREE QUICK ACTION GUIDE:

Get your FREE copy of

12 Guaranteed Ways for Students to Improve Focus and Reduce Procrastination.

The guide has already been downloaded thousands of times, so don't miss out!

« Previous Page
1
…
4
5
6
7
8
…
15
Next Page »