Raising an adolescent can be a confusing time for the parent, but it can also be a confusing time for the teenager. The adolescent years can lay the foundation for a successful adulthood. One trait, however, that can limit the development of your teenager is laziness. With the age of technology, video games, cell phones and computers, lazy teenagers are becoming more and more common. But you can take a few steps for motivating your lazy teenager.
Step 1
Discover his interests. When teenagers are interested in certain activities or hobbies, they are more likely to actively participate. You can put these activities and hobbies to good use by supporting them and providing the necessary supplies, gear or equipment to complete the activity. This results in more productivity and less time spent being lazy.
Step 2
Promote a healthy lifestyle through fitness and nutrition. These two factors are essential for healthy development and lifestyle choices. You can promote fitness and nutrition through a fitness club, organized sports or outdoor recreational activities. Enroll your teenager in a nutrition and wellness class along with following the basic nutritional guidelines on the food guide pyramid.
Step 3
Limit the amount of time spent playing video games, watching television or playing on the computer. The advancements in technology are time consuming activities that don't promote development or creativity. Choose the amount of time spent on technology according to your family lifestyle and schedule. For example, limit your teen to only one to two hours during the week, but increase that time to three to four hours per day on the weekends.
Step 4
Allocate household chores such as mowing the lawn or taking out the trash. A few simple chores around the house get your teenager moving.
Step 5
Apply for jobs that will hire teenagers. Jobs teach responsibility and accountability while preventing the teenager from being lazy. Assist and encourage your teenager to locate these jobs and review her resume and application whenever possible.
References
- FamilyLobby.com; How to Deal with Lazy Teenagers; Bobby Stocks
- ABC News; Lazy Teens: Do Something!; John Stossel, et al.; Oct. 5, 2006
- Lady PP' Heart of the Home; Motivation for Teens; Dawn Grant
- Mayo Clinic; Tween and Teen Health; March 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Parenting Skills: Tips for Raising Teens; February 2011
