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10 Simple But Powerful Pieces of Life Advice for Teenagers (that work for their parents, too)

May 23, 2018 by Tracey 13 Comments

My teenagers aren’t always (if ever!) sitting around waiting to soak up any parental wisdom that comes out of my mouth.  They’re more likely to be too involved in what’s going on in their own lives to let me “bless” them with my advice.

But on the off-chance that they want me to share a bit of knowledge with them, I decided to be ready.  I rounded up some quotes that are short, sweet, and to the point, yet pack a powerful punch.  It’s ten pieces of life advice to help them navigate the coming years with a healthy perspective on what’s truly important.

Short and sweet snippets of life wisdom to pass on to your teen.

1. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ~Corrie Ten Boom

Here’s a great place to plug-in one of my favorite Scriptures, Proverbs 3:5, 6.  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

The more we know about God – His goodness, love, and mercy – the easier it is to trust Him with our future.  That future could be as close as tomorrow, and as far away as eternity.

2. “Wherever you are, be all there.” ~Jim Elliot

Don’t spend your time wishing you were somewhere else or with a different person.  In other words, live in the moment.  Instead of longing for the past or wishing for the future, embrace the exact circumstances God has placed you in today.

3. “Expect nothing and appreciate everything.” ~Unknown

This ties together contentment and gratitude, two of the most valuable traits a person can have.  When we place too many expectations on a person or a particular circumstance, we’re often disappointed.  And living with a grateful heart will keep us focused on how blessed we are.

4. “Wisdom makes decisions today that will still be good tomorrow.” ~Lysa TerKeurst

This is the quote that led me to write this post.  Teenagers especially can make decisions that feel good in the moment.  But if they will take the time to think about where the consequences of that decision might lead, they can determine if it’s a wise decision or not.

I find myself needing this advice, though I’m supposedly older and wiser!  From the words I say to the things I do – if I’ll look back tomorrow and wish I hadn’t said or done it, I shouldn’t do it in the first place.

5. “Fill your life with adventures, not things.  Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” ~Unknown

We’ve found that experiencing events together as a family is usually much better than giving physical gifts.  We’ll always have great memories of outings and travels that we’ve had during these years of our children living at home.  I hope we’re passing on to them a love for sharing adventures with those closest to them.

6. “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.”  ~Bill Nye

My dad exemplifies this one.  He is just as interested in talking to and getting to know his car mechanic as he is the VIP of a Fortune 500 company.  Strive to learn something from each person that you meet.

7. “Go the extra mile.  It’s never crowded.” ~Wayne Dyer

Don’t try to get by with doing as little as possible to finish the job.  Give your all in everything you do, and you’ll stand out.  Follow the advice of Ecclesiastes 9:10.  “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…”

8. “Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” ~Robby Novak

Humility and thoughtfulness are qualities that seem rarer than ever these days.  Smile at people.  Thank anyone who does the smallest thing for you.  Just notice other people, and go out of your way to make them feel special.

9. “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” ~Dolly Parton

Prioritize people and relationships over work. Let the to-do list go at some point in the day, and just enjoy being with your people.

10. ”Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” ~Bob Bitchin

Or, as my dad often told us, attitude is everything.  You can make the best of a situation, or you can bring yourself and everyone around you down.  The choice is up to you.  (I need this advice plastered on my wall!)

Hopefully I can continue to work these ideas into future conversations with my teenagers.  If you have any bits of life advice you’ve found helpful, share them with us in the comments!

Related posts:
10 Bible Verse for Teens to Memorize
13 Things I Want My 13-Year-Old Daughter to Know
10 “Don’ts” for Moms of Teenage Girls

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Filed Under: Live, Parent

Comments

  1. Elizabeth says

    May 23, 2018 at 8:04 am

    Reading this in my driveway as I get ready to head out for a walk but have to take time to say that I love, love, love this, times 10. At least.

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      May 23, 2018 at 11:22 am

      Thank you, Elizabeth!! Hope all is going well with your daughters and their end of the school/college year process!

      Reply
    • Fred opoka says

      June 19, 2021 at 9:42 pm

      Thanks a lot God bless you

      Reply
  2. Nikki says

    May 23, 2018 at 9:50 am

    What a neat collection of quotes by very different people! There is a ton of wisdom here! I hope your girls give you the chance to tell them these quotes. 😉

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      May 23, 2018 at 11:22 am

      I’m finding it’s best to just slip it into passing conversations…I may not believe that they’re actually paying attention, but I think (or hope, at least!) that they’re taking in more than I think they are!

      Reply
      • George Murphy says

        February 6, 2023 at 3:35 pm

        Never underestimate that little seed you are planting.
        More impact has resulted from whispers than from shouts.

        Reply
        • Tracey says

          February 7, 2023 at 11:20 am

          Ah, more great life advice! I especially like that one about the little seeds we plant. We never know how God will take what we see as “small” things and use them in our lives and the lives of others.

          Reply
  3. Sues says

    May 23, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    These are THE BEST!!!!! True gold!!! (& Corrie Ten Boom is my favorite ❤️❤️❤️)

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      May 23, 2018 at 9:28 pm

      Thanks!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. JoannaT says

    May 23, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    I don’t know who said it, but there is a quote about regrets at the end of your life being about the things you don’t do, rather than the things you do. I have tried to live my own life so that I don’t have regrets in my 80s or 90s about things I “could have/should have” experienced.

    On another topic: is there an easy way to find the summer “curricula”/book reports you used to assign your girls? Mine will turn 12 this summer, and I’d like to use your ideas as a jumping-off point. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      May 23, 2018 at 9:28 pm

      Yes, that’s a great quote!! I found that it’s attributed to Mark Twain. “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

      I should compile all my summer learning/reading posts somewhere, but I haven’t done that yet. Here’s a few links that I hope will be helpful. These posts also have links in them to other related posts.

      http://girlstogrow.com/2014/06/7-books-for-my-teenage-daughters-summer.html

      http://girlstogrow.com/2016/05/summer-learning-program-for-2016.html

      http://girlstogrow.com/2017/05/different-kind-summer-kiddie-pools-sand-boxes-dont-cut-anymore.html

      http://girlstogrow.com/2016/05/summer-reading-16-books-for-my-teenage.html

      Reply
  5. younglabs says

    December 28, 2021 at 4:23 am

    Amazing!
    Mine would be Don’t get so busy in making living that you forgot to make life.

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      December 29, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      That’s a good one – thanks for sharing!!

      Reply

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Welcome! I'm Tracey, wife and mom to two teenage girls. I seek to help Christian moms raise children who know, love, and serve God by sharing Biblical wisdom, helpful tips, and practical advice. Read More…

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