During the freshman and sophomore years, students often shift, sometimes, quitting multi-year extracurricular activities. For parents, such moments can seem like red flags, worried about the views of admissions officers of their teenager who’s simply maturing. But with a shift in perspective, such life changes can become opportunities for choice and self-discovery.
When a teens considers leaving an activity, instead of focusing on the loss, frame it as practice in making decisions: What matters most to you right now? Reflect on the why’s, motivating the choice. Ask if there’s another opportunity the student is already considering.
Thus, teens build self-sufficiency, learning to trust their own intuition, sometimes an overlooked yet essential practice in preparation for life beyond high school. And, what better time to practice, than when a teenager has the ready-support of their families.
Changing tact isn’t a failure, nor a weakness, instead opportunities for self-awareness. With a family’s support, teens can gain confidence
With over twenty years of experience, Creative Marbles partners with families to evaluate educational pathways thoughtfully and intentionally. By moderating difficult conversations and offering expert analysis, we help minimize risk and strengthen the return on every effort made. For more information, contact us.
