8 Ways To Handle Your Teenagers When They Are Being Lazy

Teenage years are a crucial time for your children to learn social and life skills. It is recommended and considered a great start to give your teenagers chores. Not only will they learn to pick up after themselves, but they also get into the habit of keeping their surroundings clean. But getting teenagers to do anything is a huge chore. They will whine and make an issue of it, claims of ‘you’re always making me do things’ and ‘I’m busy’ will be thrown around. While it may be frustrating to deal with them your patience will be put to the test. Here are some ways to help your teenagers snap out of this lazy spell and take responsibility.

Consider the causeInstead of jumping to conclusions, have a heart-to-heart with your teen. Is the stress from school or friend drama zapping their energy? Could they be battling a health concern they haven't mentioned? Understanding the "why" behind the behaviour can lead to better solutions. Team up on tasksDitch the nagging and make chores a team effort. Brainstorm ways to tackle tasks together, like playing music while cleaning or racing to see who finishes a section first. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable (and efficient!) chores can be. Open communicationLectures rarely work with teenagers. Instead, have an open conversation about expectations and what motivates them. Maybe they need a clear understanding of their responsibilities or a reward system to incentivize completing tasks.

Focus on progressDon't just focus on what they haven't done. Acknowledge and praise the effort they do put in, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in encouraging continued progress. Teach time managementTeens might not have mastered organizational skills yet. Help them create schedules that break down big projects into manageable steps. Set realistic goals and deadlines, and teach them tools like planners or to-do lists. Offer choices, not dictateGive your teen some control over their responsibilities. Maybe they can choose which chores they do on a given day or the order they tackle them. This fosters a sense of ownership and can make completing tasks feel less like a burden. Connect it to real lifeHelp your teen see the bigger picture. Explain how completing tasks now, like keeping their room clean or managing their time well, translates to future success and independence. They'll be better prepared to handle responsibilities at college or in their future careers. Be a role modelTeens are constantly watching and learning from the adults around them. Showcase your work ethic and time management skills. When they see you tackling tasks responsibly and managing your time effectively, it sets a positive example they can follow.