+ Table of Contents
+ Advice for Teens
+ Advice for Parents
+ Buy this Book
Excerpt from Chapter 5
How Will She Ever Become an Independent Woman? Helping Adolescent Girls Prepare for the Future
HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE MY DAUGHTER TO LOOK AT THE FUTURE, WHEN SHE IS ONLY LOOKING AT TODAY?
— Denise F.
Before you get too distressed or discouraged about your daughter's perspective of "only looking at today," try to remember your own teen years. Can you remember the days when your "future" was summer vacation, or who your teacher was going to be next year, or when you would start high school, have permission to date, or be old enough to drive? Try to reflect back on your adolescence and remember what you were focused on. Is your daughter really any different? It is normal for your daughter to be focused on the here and now, or on the "immediate future," rather than on long-range plans. It's a typical adolescent perspective.
Of course, in spite of this truth, it is important to encourage your daughter to keep her future in mind. You can do this by asking her questions, like "What do you think will happen if you…?" or "Have you considered the possibility of…?" Questions that encourage your daughter to make connections between today and tomorrow are a great way to get her to look at the future and not be totally absorbed in the present.
