As our kids transition into their teenage years, parents often feel a sense of relief, as if a weight has been lifted. We’ve reached that pivotal moment, the last stretch before they become fully independent. We take pride in watching them grow into capable, smart individuals. But then, we ask them to carry out a simple chore and discover that they suddenly seem unable to do it. It’s as if they’ve developed a peculiar condition that affects their ability to perform tasks they once managed with ease. We can’t help but think that maybe there’s an epidemic sweeping through their friend circle, too, because it’s often not just our kids who struggle.
What’s baffling is that these once-simple tasks have now become monumental challenges. Yet, we hold on to hope that with encouragement and practice, they’ll eventually gain the skills needed to conquer these everyday activities. Here are 20 things that seem to trip up teenagers:
- Brushing their teeth.
- Changing into clean clothes.
- Opening the fridge door.
- Pouring a drink.
- Putting dirty dishes in the sink.
- Making toast.
- Loading the dishwasher.
- Unloading the dishwasher.
- Using the remote control.
- Getting off the couch.
- Sitting down properly.
- Disposing of trash.
- Turning on lights.
- Switching off lights.
- Engaging in thought.
- Tossing dirty clothes into the hamper.
- Petting the cat.
- Peeling a banana.
- Collecting the mail.
- Walking across the room.
While this list may seem daunting, it doesn’t spell doom for our teenagers’ futures. I firmly believe that with the right guidance, they can be reintroduced to these skills. It might not be backed by scientific studies or professional treatment plans, but I’ve devised my own approach that appears to work.
For instance, when my son, Alex, claims he’s too tired to fetch a drink, I firmly insist he gets up. He may grumble and roll his eyes, but eventually, he finds the energy to pour himself a glass of water. Each success builds his confidence. Similarly, when I sit beside my daughter, Mia, who’s glued to yet another episode of her show, I encourage her to change the channel. After some back-and-forth, she finally manages to do it.
And at night, when they insist they can study in the dark, I remind them that I refuse to pay for glasses later on. They finally turn on the lights, realizing that it’s easier to see. Over time, these tasks become less daunting. Who knows? With persistence, they might even be able to pet the cat without prompting!
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In summary, while it may seem like our teenagers are grappling with the most basic tasks, it’s a phase that can be overcome with the right support and encouragement. With time, they can flourish into the independent individuals we know they can be.