Empathize with your teen

Affective empathy (based on feelings, emotion)

Cognitive empathy (based on facts, objective)

Listen actively. Don’t be reactive, correcting, and offering your own insights until they ask. Find out the “why” behind what they're feeling.

Remain objective.

Understand pressure can backfire

Pressure is a motivator, and if your pressure is the primary motivator it can prevent your teens from developing critical life skills

Learn what's important to THEM

Most teens aren't unmotivated and lazy, they just aren't motivated in areas that YOU find valuable.