TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- This week's "Teen Talk" is focused on helping teens start the year off on the right note.
Our viewer asks: "I have been a big fan of Teen Talk for years. As 2014 unfolds, with your experience, what would you say would be your top resolutions? As a grandparent raising teens I am a parent, grandparent, coach, mentor, disciplinarian, and would like to remain as hands on as possible, so give me your best advice."
WTXL ABC27 Contributor and Family Therapist Jane Marks weighs in:
Be as healthy as you can be. Eat healthy, exercise, and take really good care of yourself. Practice improved hygiene.
Be more assertive this year. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Build your organizational skills. Those skills that you build now will prepare you for what's ahead. Learn to multi-task.
Make an attempt to get to know your fellow students or neighbors. If you're shy, one at a time will do the trick.
Identify one or two bad habits and work to stop them. Examples would be; putting too much personal business on social media. Too much screen time.
Try to learn to develop reasonable time lines for new projects. Do not wait until the last minute to get going on class projects. Do not over commit yourself to too many projects, lending toward unreliability.
Develop problem solving skills and conflict management skills. Don't create a problem and leave a mess. Take the time to work a problem through.
Learn to weigh as many options as you can when you encounter a new situation.
Do not limit yourself to one change. Make as many as possible.
Get happier. Find something to be happy or grateful about every day.
Be a better friend, daughter, son, and participant.
Find love and support. Nurture your social support system.
Be honest, be straightforward. It will keep you out of trouble.
Give more love to your family. They are some of the most important people in your life.
Do better in school. Set goals for school performance.
Learn something new every week. Navigating adolescence is about personal growth and development.
Watch "Teen Talk" with family therapist, Jane Marks, every other Thursday at 6:30 a.m. On WTXL ABC27 News at Sunrise.
