Pro Parenting Tip #43: Create an Action Plan

My teen daughter, Lexy, was struggling to get started every morning and stay on task throughout the day.

To be honest, so was I!

So, I created  this worksheet .

I printed out several copies (on the backside of old documents) and we fill them out together over a cup of coffee or breakfast smoothie.

We actually really enjoy doing it together too 😊

​Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. The RECHARGE ACTIVITY is something that helps you decompress, relax, get a boost of dopamine to your brain. My daughter likes listening to music, Face Timing with her friends, and singing. I like coloring, playing online games like Wordle, and playing my guitar. This isn't about what you should do, it's about what you want to do when no one is around to judge :)

2. The MUST DO list are the 1-3 highest priority tasks that need to be done that day. If you do nothing else but these tasks, your day will be successful.

3. The MUST NOT DO list is for time-sucking habits you're trying to kick, things that suck up your time (e.g., scrolling through Instagram), or things you want to be mindful of avoiding. This list is just as important as your MUST DO list!

4. Listing out 3 things I AM GRATEFUL FOR every day has been shown to rewire your brain to be more positive and build resiliency. If your teen can't come up with anything, suggest they look around and tell you the first thing they notice. What would their life be like without it? Why are they thankful for it? (This morning my daughter was thankful for our toaster because she could make avocado toast for breakfast!)

5. The SENDING HAPPINESS TO list is to prompt you to think of other people in your life. You can pray and see who comes to mind or scroll through your contact list. Who do you know that could use more support? Who have you fallen out of touch with? What random person entered your dreams the night before? We like to send a quick “hello” text message to the people on our list. Spreading joy is also another powerful way to release dopamine and rewire your brain to be more positive.

6. PROBLEM I WANT TO SOLVE. Writing out the problem you're having triggers your brain to search for a solution. When we stop stressing about a problem and hand it over to our brain to noodle on at its leisure, it's amazing how the answers start to flow. Write it down before bed too. This hands it over to your subconscious to work on while you sleep. Just have a pen and paper next to you so you can scribble down your ideas first think when you wake up before you forget them!

7. AFFIRMATION/MANTRA/PRAYER is something you or your teen needs to hear throughout the day: It's going to be okay. I am strong. I am safe. This too shall pass. Life is good. I've got this. My teen is doing the best they can. I'm calm.

Hope it helps!

TAKE ACTION TODAY!

If you haven’t already, I invite you to join my Thriving Parent Academy .

As an exclusive member, you get:

1. Master classes covering topics such as effective communication, tech use, attitude + disrespect, anxiety + depression, motivation, boundaries + consequences, executive functioning, and more.

2. Laser-coaching to provide personalized guidance on the challenges you're dealing with right NOW.

3. Supportive community of like-minded parents that can provide encouragement, insight, celebrate your wins, and commiserate with your challenges.

4. Virtual campus busting at the seams with premium resources and tools for you to use any time you want.