New School Year, New Story–How to change your story–Help in Parenting Teens-Part 2

At every new juncture and transition, we can change our story and improve our lives.  Here is a way parents of teens can help their children of all ages, as well as themselves to have a better, more successful and happier life.

1-Share the story you carry right now with someone who will listen to you.  Include the good, the bad, the pretty and the ugly.

2-Hold on to the good stuff and pat yourself on the back for it.

3-Select a few elements of your story that you would like to change, and write them down on a card.  Make a few copies, one for your room, one for your refrigerator, and one to carry with you.  Email or text them to yourself daily.

4-Find out who to ask for help if you cannot do it on your own.  Let your parents know you want that help.  Let your guidance counselors, therapists, mentors, teachers, and friends know your intentions and your new story, and when the old story pops up, correct yourself and everyone else.

5-Watch your story as it helps you to change and become better, more confident and happier, all at the same time.

Here are some examples:

“I suck at math.”

“I’m no athlete.”

“I have no friends.”

“The teachers don’t like me.”

“I don’t test well.”

“Everyone else has a passion, I don’t have a passion.”

“School is boring.”

“I hate my life!

“I’m always tired.”

“I’m going to get a math tutor and figure things out.”

“I am actually okay at volley ball.  I think I will go out for a club/community sport.”

“There are people who like me.  I will seek them out.”

“I am going to make it my goal to not be the one the teacher doesn’t like.  I will raise ask a question in class sometimes.”

“I am going to practice taking tests so I can do better.”

“Everyone has a passion, including me and I am going to discover mine this year.”

“Some of my teachers and classes are actually interesting.”

“I am so grateful I am healthy and alive.”

“No matter what, I am not going to say I am tired any more, except before bed.”

Words are powerful and we can use them to create and live a better story!

Rick Concoff c 2012