My son is 16 and embarking on his next chapter to figure out how to navigate the college application process. So far it’s all about achievements rather than character, and purpose is measured in empirical terms. I think purpose is about lifelong learning and curiosity, not about goals and drive and grit.
Is it really inspiring to focus on getting good grades and high test scores as a teenager’s purpose?
How can we shift our culture to focus more on purpose as a lifelong commitment to service and exploration? Start here to check out this perspective on purpose at the Center for Parent and Teen Communication.
And as you can imagine, I have a thing or two to say about nurturing purpose.
Make sure you follow CPTC and sign up for the newsletter. It’s valuable information, and I read every single 100-word post that drops in my inbox. Just ask my husband…I text them to him on the daily.
This post is made possible with support from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All opinions are my own.