*Social and Psychological Life Skills

1. *Clarify core values.* The values your teen chooses will guide their behavior. Point them in a promising direction by ensuring they can articulate their beliefs and put them into action.

2. *Give generously.* Your teen is more likely to succeed if they help others to do the same. Encourage them to share their resources and volunteer their services.

3. *Act mindfully* Mobile devices are shortening the average attention span. If you want your teen to understand the power of mindfulness, you’ll need to teach by example. Give them your full attention when they’re talking, and turn the TV off if possible.

4. *Manage stress.* Developing mindfulness will help protect your teen from depression and anxiety. They can also learn to relax by engaging in physical exercise and/or working on a hobby.

5. *Master phone* *etiquette* . Even if your teen spends much of their waking life on the phone, they may not communicate effectively. Train your kids to know when to use and not use the phone, how to answer the phone.

6. *Talk face-to-face* Hold regular family meetings where you can practice having real-time conversations. Make it a family rule that no devices are allowed at the dinner table.

7. *Cultivate* *relationships* Supportive relationships are vital to health and wellbeing. Coach your teen on how to make friends and network.

8. *Be assertive.*
Help your child to develop healthy self-esteem and advocate for themselves. Knowing how to share their wants and needs will bring them closer to fulfilling their goals. You can ease your teen’s transition into adulthood.

Protect your children when they’re young, and then gradually give them more responsibility so they can acquire the skills they need to live on their own when the time is right.