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Navigating the teenage years can be a challenge, especially when it comes to setting schedules. The key to success is creating a collaborative environment where both you and your teenager feel heard and respected. Here’s how to make it happen.
Step 1: Open the Conversation
Start by asking your teenager, “Do you have any plans this summer?” If they respond with “no” or “I don’t know,” use this as an opportunity to introduce the idea of a summer schedule. You could say, “Would you like to have a summer schedule that’s fun, productive, and exciting?” This approach shows that you care about their happiness and want to ensure they have a fulfilling summer.
Step 2: Collaborate on the Schedule
Once they’re open to the idea, suggest, “I’ll help plan your schedule and would love for you to look at it and add any activities you’re interested in.” This makes them feel involved and valued, rather than feeling like they’re being forced into a routine. When teens feel they have a say in their plans, they’re more likely to take ownership and be enthusiastic about their responsibilities.
Step 3: Follow Through
As a parent, it’s crucial to follow through on your promises. That same night, draft a summer schedule and discuss it with your teenager the next day. Let them know that the schedule is flexible and can change based on circumstances, including considerations for other family members, like a younger sibling. Setting realistic expectations and goals that they are happy with can prevent feelings of pressure and foster a sense of discipline and initiative.
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Our Experience
As a mom of both a teenager and an infant, I understand the challenges of balancing different needs and routines. My children have a significant age gap, which can make following a strict routine difficult. However, since we started our summer schedule, my teenager has shown enthusiasm and commitment. It’s heartening to see her take the initiative and feel happy about her day.
Resources
To support our schedule, I bought books from Amazon and a Canadian curriculum book. For math, we use excellent educational videos on YouTube that make the subjects easier to understand.
Do you also have a teenager and an infant? How do you manage their schedules? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
This article contains an affiliate links to products. Wanderer Mom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Thoughts and opinions in this article are solely Wanderer Mom’s. We only share products that we love and had experienced with.