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The thirteen candles on the cake declare to the world that they are no longer the babies you think them to be. They are now officially the young adults, teenagers!

The movie “Adolescence” has opened up the discussion once again about what’s happening to our kids as they navigate the turmoil created in their minds by the heady mix of their raging hormones and lure of social media.

The present lives of the teenagers are far more complicated than ours ever were.

They juggle a packed schedule of school, extracurriculars, and social pressures, all while being stuck to their phones. Is this really what growing up should look like? It’s time to step back and seriously address the stress they face daily.

“Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.” – Unknown

The Problem: Why Teens Are Overcommitted

Teens today are drowning in expectations. On one side, they’re bombarded with social media pressures. There they’re constantly measuring themselves against filtered perfection, battling FOMO, and feeling the need to always be ‘on.’

On the other side, parents and teachers push them to excel academically and participate in every extracurricular possible.

The result? Anxiety, self-doubt, and compromised sleep as they try to meet unrealistic expectations. Something’s got to give.

The Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is the first thing sacrificed in their overflowing schedules. The constant cycle of schoolwork, assignments, and social media scrolling leads to chronic sleep deprivation.

This takes a toll:

– Increased irritability and anxiety

– Poor concentration and memory issues

– Declining academic performance

– Weakened immunity and fatigue

– Higher risk of burnout and depression

This is NOT what you envisioned for your kids. So, how to fix it?

Setting Priorities: Learning to Say No

Balance starts with setting clear priorities. Teens (and parents) need to differentiate between what’s essential and what’s not.

Teach them to say ‘no’, without guilt, to unnecessary commitments. Not every club, activity, or social event is worth their time. College applications don’t need a resume filled with every possible extracurricular.

Encourage them, assist them to align their time with their true interests, not just with the external expectations. The goal is to seek quality over quantity.

Healthy Habits & Time Management for Overcommitted Teens

Time management is a survival skill, and teens need to master it to regain control. Here’s what helps:

– Time blocking: Assign time for school, activities, and most importantly—REST.

– Exercise: Encourage at least an hour of physical activity daily. It’s a great stress reliever.

– Tech-free time: Give their minds a break from screens, even if just for a little while.

– A solid sleep routine: Try implementing these changes:

– Consistent bedtime and wake-up time

– No screens before bed (blue light disrupts sleep!)

– Unwinding with a book or calming music before sleeping

– Healthy eating habits: Cut out caffeine-loaded, junk-food diets that fuel stress instead of energy. Show them how balanced nutrition plays a huge role in managing their sleep and anxiety.

Start today! Sit down with your teen and map out their weekly schedule. Find at least one non-essential activity to cut. Establish a bedtime routine.

Small changes will lead to big results.

The Key to Long-Term Success

The ultimate goal? Balance.

Teens follow the expectations set by parents and teachers. It’s on us to foster a less stressful, more sustainable lifestyle. That means having open conversations about workload, prioritising mental health, and adjusting expectations.

Check in weekly with your teen. Speak to them to know what’s overwhelming them. Help them reassess their commitments, and where they will be willing to cut back.

If these steps were taken more seriously, we might have prevented tragedies like those in Kota.

The Bottom Line

Teenage years are about exploring and growing, not just studying and surviving.

If you want your kids to grow into well-rounded, capable individuals, you’ve to step in now. Rework their schedule, prioritise quality over quantity, and ensure they get enough rest. They don’t have to do it all to be successful.

Start today: Review their commitments, cut one unnecessary activity, and set a phone-free bedtime. It’s a small change, but the results may surprise you.

Let’s give our teens the balance they desperately need.

CTA: Share this with a fellow parent or teacher who needs to hear this! Let’s start the conversation.

Books by My Bedside

The Lion Women of Teheran by Marjan Kamali

A simple guidebook to help you build your child’s social skills and get them ready for tomorrow! Buy your copy now!!

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Take care till next time,