Okay, so today I’m gonna talk about some stuff with teens coming out. It’s a bit of a wild ride, so buckle up.
First off, I started by just listening. Like, really listening. These kids, they’ve got a lot on their minds, and they’re not always sure about who they are yet, especially when it comes to their sexual orientation or gender identity. So, I sat down with a few of them, no judgment, just open ears. I didn’t downplay their concerns. You know, to them, it’s the biggest deal in the world.
Then, I tried to get them thinking about solutions. I mean, life’s full of problems, right? So, I pushed them a bit, like, “Hey, what can you do about this?” It’s all about helping them figure things out for themselves. I encouraged them to develop solutions to problems or conflicts, just like the advice I read.
- Listen without judgment: This was my starting point. Creating a safe space where they could talk without feeling judged.
- Encourage problem-solving: I didn’t just want to hear about the problems. I wanted them to start thinking about how to tackle them.
- Promote good decision-making: I tried to guide them towards making smart choices. It’s tough, but it’s important.
- Create opportunities for independent judgment: I set up little scenarios where they could practice making decisions on their own.
Another thing I did was try to help them make good decisions. It’s not easy, especially when you’re young and everything feels so intense. I’d throw some scenarios their way, just to get them thinking. It’s all about making those brain muscles work.
I also gave them some room to try things out. I read somewhere that autonomy is important for teens. You know, letting them use their own judgment. So I created a few opportunities where they could do just that. For example, I let them plan a small event. They had to make all the decisions, from the theme to the snacks. They messed up a few times, but hey, that’s how you learn, right?
Getting Them to Be More Self-Reliant
Now, this part was interesting. I wanted them to start relying on themselves a bit more. So I backed off a little. I mean, I was still there if they needed me, but I wasn’t hovering. I gave them some responsibilities around the house, stuff they could handle. It was cool to see them step up.
At the end of the day, it’s all about supporting these teens as they figure out who they are. It’s not my place to tell them what to do, but rather to guide them and help them learn to stand on their own two feet. It’s a messy, sometimes chaotic, process, but it’s real. And honestly, it’s pretty rewarding to watch them grow and become their own person. That’s my take on it, anyway.
