Should teenagers take their own decisions?

Decision-making is an incredibly important skill that teens must develop before they can be truly independent. When we require that they make their own decisions—instead of just making them for them, as Mark and I did when we insisted our daughter come to family dinner—we give them really valuable practice.

Should teenagers spend their free time doing lots of activities or is it better for teenagers to spend most of their free time relaxing?

Teenagers need free time to explore interests, unwind or be with friends. Enjoying activities with your teenage child is a great way to build your relationship. Some rules about free time with friends can help to keep your child safe. Solo free time is important too, so long as it’s balanced with other activities.

How much free time should a teenager have?

A new study finds that people may be just as unhappy with “too much” free time as they are with too little. Apparently, the sweet spot for extra free time is about three and a half hours per day.

How should parents treat their teenager?

Positive attention is a must for teens. Spend time with your teen to show him or her that you care. Listen to your teen when he or she talks, and respect your teen’s feelings. Don’t assume that your teen knows how much you love him or her.

Why should parents let them make their own decisions?

I have confidence in your ability to make informed decisions about your own life and to learn from your mistakes. All I’d ask is to discuss your pros and cons so I know you’ve thought things through—and because I love seeing how you think.” Just knowing that you believe in your child will boost their confidence.

Why should older teenagers be trusted to make their own decisions?

An important component of allowing adolescents increased control over their decisions is allowing them to experience the natural consequences. As Behaviorists know, we change our behavior based on the results of our actions. When we experience a positive outcome, we continue with similar decision-making.

Why is having free time important?

Why is free time important? Spending time away from work, doing what you enjoy alleviates stress which can take its toll on both your mental and physical well-being. Workplace burnout has been linked to health issues such as hypertension and heart problems as well as depression and anxiety.

Why should teenagers teens have hobbies?

Hobbies give teenagers a chance to meet new people, discover new passions, develop skills outside of school, and do something all kids (yes, teens are part kid) should do: have fun. That’s where hobbies come in. Hobbies are a great way for teens to form an identity outside their family.

Why is having too much free time a bad thing?

If you have more than five hours of leisure time a day, you’re doing it wrong. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, having too much discretionary time is “linked to lower subjective well-being.” In other words: more free time won’t always make you happier.

Do teens have too much free time?

“By any standards, America’s young adolescents have a great deal of discretionary time,” the report said. But about 40 percent of their time — or five hours a day — is discretionary. This large block of free time offers many opportunities for young people to fall into dangerous activities, the report said.