Beyond Academics: How to Help Your Teen Build Character and Real-World Skills

While academics are key, colleges also look for evidence of positive character and real-world skills. There are activities teens can get involved with to build these assets. Volunteering allows teens to demonstrate compassion and take on leadership roles. Playing a sport teaches collaboration, communication, discipline, and perseverance. School clubs let teens explore interests with like-minded peers. Part-time jobs build time management, responsibility, and people skills. Travel opens teens' minds to other cultures. Taking on new challenges pushes teens outside their comfort zone to build confidence. The key is finding activities the teen will enjoy long enough to build character and abilities that will equip them to thrive in college and adulthood.


While academic achievements like good grades are important, colleges also look for evidence of positive character traits and real-world skills in applicants. 


The good news is there are plenty of activities your teen can get involved with during high school that will help them build these assets. Here are some ideas:


Volunteering: Finding a cause they care about and volunteering their time is a great way for teens to demonstrate compassion. Animal shelters, food banks, and organizations that serve disadvantaged groups are always looking for volunteers. As they get more involved over time, teens can even take on leadership roles and make an even bigger impact.


Creative pursuits: Playing an instrument, painting, writing stories, or dancing helps build creativity. Encourage your teen to join school arts programs or take classes at local studios and share their talents at recitals and art shows. Self-expression is important at this age.


Team sports: Being part of an athletic team teaches teens collaboration, communication, discipline, and perseverance. Help them find a sport they enjoy and support their commitment to practices and games/meets. Let coaches guide skill development while you provide encouragement.


School clubs: Joining school clubs related to your teen's interests allows them to explore subjects in greater depth while interacting with peers who share their curiosity. Clubs also provide leadership opportunities as teens get more involved.


Part-time job: Holding down a part-time job teaches time management, responsibility, and people skills. Look for roles your teen would find meaningful like coaching a kids' team, working at an animal shelter, or tutoring younger students.


Travel: Traveling opens teens' minds to other cultures and ways of thinking. Look for exchange programs, mission trips, or simply family vacations that expose them to new places and people. Being adaptable in unfamiliar situations builds character.


Taking on challenges: Push your teen outside their comfort zone so they build confidence in themselves. Sign them up for a tough mudder race, acting lessons if they’re shy, or a public speaking contest. Trying new challenging things teaches resilience.


Starting a business: Is your teen passionate about technology, baking, photography or making art? Encourage them to explore starting a small business turning their talent into profit. They’ll learn about marketing, accounting, customer service and bringing ideas to life.


The key is finding activities your individual teen will enjoy and stick with. Not every teen will want to volunteer or join clubs. Help them identify strengths and interests, then encourage them to engage meaningfully, even if it’s in unexpected ways. Diverse experiences during high school will equip your teen with the character and abilities to thrive in college and adulthood.


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