Today’s teens have been raised in an era of technology, social media, instant gratification, high stimulation, and extremely high expectations.
Performance was first introduced when placed in “Early Bird” or “Late Bird” reading groups. Comparison crept in and parents questioned, “How does my child measure up to peers?”
The pressure to raise highly functioning kids whose schedule often includes sports, music, scouts and other extra-curricular activities became the norm. Honors and AP classes were an expectation to get into a good college. Validation for performance only reinforced the need to be the best.
At What Cost?
What does it mean to “fit in” or wonder if “I am enough”? Social media selfies and exclusive groups breed comparison. Sexual promiscuity and societal norms of how to behave in relationships, combined with the emotional consequences of taking risks and being rejected, only exacerbate issues of identity and shame. This leads to social anxiety and depression.
Fear can be paralyzing. When conditioned for busyness, stress and high-achievement goals, failure isn’t an option. “Is my GPA, SAT, or ACT Enough to get into the university of choice?”
What You Can Expect in the Workshop
In the Teen Anxiety Resilience Program, participants will connect, feel support, and learn they’re not alone in their struggle. Through a fun interactive process of videos, exercises, and discussion, teens will develop resilience skills they will use for a lifetime.
