Navigating the teenage years with your child can be challenging, especially when it comes to supporting their extracurricular activities. In today's world, with the rise of A.I. bots and college admissions pressure, it's more important than ever to encourage authenticity in teenagers. Being authentic is a vital part of adolescence, as it allows teenagers to explore their identities, discover their interests, and figure out who they want to be.

Encouraging teenagers to be true to themselves in their extracurricular activities helps build a strong foundation for future successes. Whether it's a summer job, helping in their community, or pursuing a new interest such as gardening or creative writing, their efforts show who they genuinely are. Participation not only allows them to share their energy, enthusiasm, and talents with others but also helps build skills like communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities. Extracurriculars are a great way for teenagers to show their authentic selves.

It's essential to remind teenagers that being inauthentic can lead to unhappiness and feelings of inadequacy. Trying to be something they're not can take a toll on their mental and physical health, causing immense stress that could result in physical pain, lack of energy, and overall feeling down. Encourage your child to accept themselves and their flaws, as it allows for true growth without external pressures. It's okay to simply be themselves and accept that everything comes with imperfections. Embracing them and finding peace with the real version of themselves can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Throughout their journey to college, it's important to remind teenagers not to compare themselves to others. College has no one-size-fits-all approach, and everyone has unique experiences, strengths, and weaknesses. Instead of comparing themselves to others, they should focus on what makes them special and use their profile to illustrate who they are and why college admissions personnel should accept them. Putting in the work, gaining confidence in themselves, and being true to themselves will ultimately benefit the college they choose.

As a parent, encouraging authenticity in teenagers is crucial for their growth and future success. Authenticity is unique and genuine, beating the A.I. bots that may be prevalent in today's world. Parents should encourage their children to explore their interests and passions and participate in activities that align with their true selves. By supporting their authenticity, parents can help teenagers build a strong foundation for future success and fulfillment. Remind them to accept themselves and their imperfections, and focus on what makes them special instead of comparing themselves to others.