The Secret to Reigniting Your Teen’s Passion for Learning, According to Experts
Source: http://www.msn.com
It’s hard for parents to miss the headlines about teenagers being pulled in by social media’s intoxicating allure and relentless peer pressure. With so many external forces vying for control, it’s natural to wonder: Is it even possible for parents to have a meaningful influence on their teens?
Fortunately, new research brings hope. Parents shouldn’t give up on trying to connect with their kids — in fact, the evidence shows that parents hold just as much influence as teachers and peers, even during adolescence.
As Jenny Anderson, journalist and co-author of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, explains, “Parents have as much influence as teachers and peers do, even in adolescence when it seems like they would rather eat nails than have a conversation with you.”
In the book, Anderson and co-author Rebecca Winthrop (director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution) uncover how parents can reignite their teen’s natural love of learning — what they call “explorer mode.” Teens thrive when their curiosity and desire to grow are nurtured, but boredom, overwhelm, and school-related stress often push them into less healthy modes like:
- Passenger: Doing the bare minimum to get by.
- Resister: Ignoring or avoiding schoolwork entirely.
- Achiever: Tying self-worth to grades and external performance.
Parents, however, can help their teens re-enter “explorer mode,” even if they seem glued to TikTok or video games.
From Instructional to Invitational
Anderson explains that engaging teens looks different than guiding toddlers. While younger kids often welcome explanations and insights from parents, teenagers tend to reject direct instructions or advice because they feel they already “know it all.”
The secret lies in shifting from an “instructional” tone to a more “invitational” approach—one filled with fewer commands and more open-ended questions. This shift invites teens into conversations where they feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore ideas on their own terms.
Read more of the story here: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/new-research-shows-how-parents-can-reignite-teens-love-of-learning/
Image Source: http://www.msn.com
