How to Teach a 16-Year-Old Boy Not to Be Selfish

Teenagers are often absorbed in their own worlds, making them more likely to be selfish.

As children enter their teenage years, they often begin worrying about themselves more. Things such as how they're going to fit into a certain crowd take up more importance than worrying about others. Some people refer to this stage as "imaginary adolescence," where young teens believe everyone is watching them. Therefore, it becomes quite easy for teenagers to develop selfish attitudes, failing to see the importance behind caring about people besides themselves. You can teach your teenage boy to be more selfless by talking to him about helping others and setting examples in your everyday life.

Instructions

1. Have a candid discussion with your teenager about selflessness. Tell him that he doesn't have to give a lot of money to bring about change. There are other things he can give to others that don't come with a price tag - such as time and effort. Talk to him about people who are much less fortunate than he is, like homeless people. Help him realize that while he may be struggling with fitting in at school, there are people who would prefer to be in his position. This will encourage him to think less about his problems and more about others.

2. Put your talk with your teenager into practice. Take him to an actual homeless shelter so he can serve food to the people there. Convince him to donate his old clothes and toys to a charity such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries. Experiencing these things firsthand instead of just hearing about them will have a more profound effect on your teenager. He will better understand just how good he has it in comparison to someone who has just lost her home to a natural disaster or barely has any food on which to live.

3. Set examples for your teenager to follow. Give your own time and energy to helping the less fortunate, as well. Serve food to the homeless along with him, and show how you are dedicated to helping others. Whether it is through volunteering or organizing a fundraiser for victims of a hurricane, your teenager is more likely to become selfless if you demonstrate selflessness for him.

References

• The Christian Broadcasting Network; Take Your Kids From Selfish to Selfless; Jim Burns