Are teenagers really lazy ?
maxim, suppose, uninterested, give and take, struggling, therefore, circumstances, taking this into consideration, take no notice of, face, , reduce, washing, desire, uselessness,
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There is a good reason that the stereotypical view of modern teenagers is they are lazy kids who just want to sleep in, play computer games, surf the net and hangout with their friends. The reason this view exists is because all around the world this is all parents see their teenagers doing. The image of the lazy teenager has become so commonplace that many people simply assume that being lazy and unmotivated is a natural consequence of adolescence http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/adolescence. Such thinking, while understandable, is essentially misguided. Once upon a time, teenagers were some of the most hardworking members of society. Long before shopping malls, computer games, and high schools, teenagers were expected to work with the adults, and work hard. Many teenagers responded well to this invitation, did work hard, and were motivated to do so. They did this because what they were doing had a point, and it matched their natural desire to be treated and considered as adults. Teenagers worked hard learning a trade, taking on responsibility around the farm, learning to cook and keep house, striving to prove themselves in adult company because they could see these tasks mattered. They understood how what they were being asked to do was preparing them for the future. The jobs themselves were real jobs that had to be done and hence provided a sense of significance and value. A lot has changed you might say. And you are right a lot has changed. But despite all the changes, teenagers are essentially the same. What has changed the most is the context in which teens grow up and the significance of what they are expected to do. Very few teenagers completely lack motivation. What many teenagers lack is the motivation to do stuff that doesn?t matter, doesn?t seem important, or is about satisfying an agenda that doesn?t relate to them. With this context in mind, here are my 7 Secrets to Motivating Teenagers If a teen does not understand what the task has to do with them, or their well-being, then it will be a struggle for them to find the desire to carry it out.
Teenagers long to feel significant. They want to demonstrate to themselves and the world that they matter and are capable of making a difference. Many of the problems teens encounter today is because their desire to be significant is ignored or diminished.
If a teenager understands the value of the task, you will have little problem motivating them to do it. If your teenager wants to wear clean clothes, they will be motivated to cooperate with requirements relating to laundry. If your teenager wants to eat they will find the motivation to cooperate with meal time chores. Some tasks don?t have consequences quite so obvious. Personally as a teenager I couldn?t see how vacuuming the carpet made any difference to life, so maybe this wasn?t the best chore for me to do. I did however notice when the rubbish bin was overflowing. Give your teen chores that they can see value in doing. The other common task that is not meaningful to teenager is homework. Many an adolescent has failed to see the point of learning algebra or ancient history. Trying to explain possible practical uses of abstract learning can be an exercise in futility. Youth expert Josh Shipp has a helpful way of dealing with these types of issues. He talks about helping teens understand by using the statement 😕You have to do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do.? This is a helpful statement because it is true in so many areas of life. Sometimes we all do work for no other reason than it needs to be done. Helping teenagers see meaningless tasks as part of life?s greater goals is a valuable message to pass on. Getting schoolwork done is necessary for a teen who wants to get into the university course of their choice, or be considered for their dream job one day. Getting out and finding a part time job is needed if they want to have money to spend ongoing out, buying a car, or getting the latest piece of technology. This axiom also applies to the chores your teen doesn?t see as important. By linking the completing of chores to privileges such as use of computers, cars, TV?s etc. your teenager learns that sometimes we do things we don?t want to do in order to enjoy the things we want to do. Regular practice is vital to being able to play well when it comes to the day of the game or the performance. Give your teenager a say in what and how things are done. If your teenager has had a say in setting the agenda and the timetable they will be much more motivated to participate.
- Discuss with them what chores they would prefer to do around the house.
- Set deadlines, but give them the freedom to choose when and how a task is completed
- Discuss with them what they think is a reasonable expectation and then share your expectations. Try to work to a compromise position you can both live with.
- Give your teenager responsibility for whole tasks. For instance if they have to cook one night a week, let them set the menu and arrange for the shopping to be done. Or if their job is to clean the bathroom let them be responsible for decorating it as well.
When parents constantly step and rescue their teen?s from failing they undermine their teenager?s ability to grow up. No parent wants to see their kids fail, but it is through failure that we grow and learn to improve.
ESSAY WRITING
Read through the passage carefully and answer these questions, using words, phrases from the text.
- What makes parents and generally adults regard modern teens as lazy?
- Was this idea of lazy teens popular in the past? What were teens like and what were they expected to do?
- What kind of changes in modern lifestyle seems to undermine teens? sense of responsibility?
- How can adults help teens feel responsible and significant in their actual life?
- How can modern teens be motivated to do chores or simply do their homework? What suggestions can you put forward?
You have just read in the local newspaper an article that puts down teenagers ? Modern teenagers are too lazy and uninterested in anything apart from their computer and hanging out. They fail to complete their assignments or meet deadlines. It is a spoilt generation? Write an essay to express your opinion and make suggestions for the successful motivation of teens.
