Pieces of Advice Every Teenager Should Hear

by Amy Daines, Executive Editor

Adolescence is a time for growth and development both physically, emotionally, and socially. Naturally, young adults have sought advice from their role models for millennia. There is something especially effective about the counsel from someone who has had first-hand experience in living life. Parents often impart their wisdom on their children, offering suggestions about schoolwork, managing time, choosing friends, and landing a job. So what advice is the most helpful to teenagers right now?

One of the most common tips that adults give to younger individuals is, “It’s okay to say no; don’t get into situations that are uncomfortable.” Most teenagers have a deep desire to fit in with other people and do what their friends do; however, sometimes they might find themselves in an unexpected situation that may not align with their standards. Sometimes it can be a hard lesson to learn, but saying no to a bad activity could save someone from a lifetime of regret.

Another popular piece of advice is, “Have a good relationship with the person in the mirror.” A lot of the time, it can be easy to compare oneself to what everyone else is doing. People with this train of thought are wired to think that they should be happier, thinner, smarter, or funnier. While it is not bad to seek improvement, these thoughts become unhelpful when they start to tear one down. In extreme cases, comparison can create low self-esteem and confidence. This is a real problem, so it is important to make sure that one has a good relationship with themself. No one is perfect, so part of being a teenager includes being kind even with all the flaws and mistakes.

A final piece of advice is simply, “Have fun!” While there are many important decisions to make and things to do during high school, it is also one of the most exciting times of a person’s life. There are sports to play, friends to make, and new things to try. It’s important not to get too weighed down by the everyday responsibilities and enjoy the moment. It’s okay to not have everything figured out right now, and part of the experience is learning what can make someone the most happy person they can be. 

In the end, while there are big decisions to make during one’s adolescence, there are many pieces of advice that can help make the journey easier. Leaning on the experiences of someone who has gone through it before is certainly a helpful way to figure out what to do in a tough situation. Advice is proven to provide a broader perspective and even help enhance decision-making in teenagers, so it’s okay to get out there and ask for help; it may just be the difference between a responsible and a reckless decision.