We all remember what it was like to be a teenager. Confusing, thrilling, and at times, painfully lonely. We made mistakes, stumbled, and learned the hard way. Yet, knowing this, why are we often so hard on today’s teenagers? Why do we judge them for their missteps? Why do we remind them, time and time again, of their shortcomings, reinforcing the message: You’re not good enough?
Why Be a Role Model?
Every young boy and girl looks to someone for guidance. They see themselves through the lens of others because carving out their own identity is overwhelming. They’re searching for clues on how to live, how to grow, how to be. And they look to us—adults—to provide that example.
I once watched a documentary on Netflix about chimpanzees, one of our closest genetic relatives. Did you know that champions—those who excel in life—share 97% of the same DNA as these creatures? In the chimpanzee kingdom, young males observe the alpha closely, learning strength, leadership, and resilience. Young females shadow adult females, mastering the art of nurturing and community care. They learn by watching, by mimicking, by absorbing every action and reaction.
We are not so different. Teenagers learn by watching us. They notice how we handle stress, how we treat others, how we chase our dreams—or give up on them. They are always watching, always learning.
Be the role model you wish you had. Be the example your younger self needed, the inspiration your community craves, and the guide your child silently hopes for.
Why Be a Coach?
Everyone needs a coach—a teacher, a guide, a mentor. But the best coaches are not just authority figures; they are trusted friends. I believe that a good friend makes the best coach because a friend knows you deeply, understands your fears and dreams, and wants to see you succeed.
A coach is someone who believes in you when you don’t believe in yourself. They push you to go further, to try harder, to rise above the challenges. They don’t just give instructions; they inspire.
Be the coach who listens. Be the coach who encourages, who challenges with kindness, and who celebrates every victory, no matter how small.
How to Be a Mentor ?
I never had a face-to-face mentor growing up. My mentors were in books—words of wisdom from authors who didn’t even know I existed. I took their advice, tried their methods, and learned from my failures. If something didn’t work, I crossed it off my list and moved on, wiser than before.
As a teenager, I had no guide, no mentor to turn to. I made mistakes—plenty of them. I stumbled, fell, and picked myself up, time and time again. But what if I didn’t have to navigate it all alone? What if someone had been there to listen, to guide me, to tell me that mistakes are not the end, but the beginning of growth?
You can be that mentor. If you see someone struggling—lost, confused, hurting—reach out. Offer your wisdom, your experience, your presence. You never know the impact you might have just by showing that you care.
Crossing 30
I recently crossed the threshold of 30. Not long ago, I was a teenager myself. I remember the isolation, the frustration of feeling misunderstood, the anger when adults dismissed my struggles as trivial. Whenever I made a mistake, there were no questions, no conversations—only punishment. Harsh, unforgiving punishment.
But no amount of punishment could crush my determination to chase my dreams. I made mistakes repeatedly, stubbornly, refusing to give up. Sometimes, I dragged my younger brother into my chaotic world. He was smarter, more cautious, but there were days I convinced him to join me. And when we were caught, we faced the consequences together, crying ourselves to sleep on those long, painful nights.
I know what it’s like to be 15—to feel invincible yet so vulnerable. To be curious, to crave adventure, to want to try everything without fully understanding the consequences. I made over a hundred mistakes that I can still remember, each one teaching me a lesson that no textbook could. They shaped me, cost me more than money, more than material possessions. They taught me resilience, courage, and wisdom.
If I could go back and give my 15-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be: Read more. Knowledge is freedom. It opens doors, broadens horizons, and gives you the power to shape your destiny.
And one more thing: Be the person others can turn to. Be the listener, the friend, the guide. Make sure the people beside you have someone they can trust. Be that someone.
Key Takeaways
• Listen with Empathy: Teenagers have more to say than you might realize. Listen without judgment, with an open heart and mind.
• Lead by Example: They are watching how you handle life’s challenges. Show them resilience, kindness, and integrity.
• Mentor with Compassion: Share your experiences without preaching. Be honest about your struggles and how you overcame them.
• Coach with Encouragement: Push them to grow, to learn, to be better—but do so with love and understanding.
What you give to others is what you will receive in return. Show patience, and you will receive respect. Offer guidance, and you will inspire greatness.
Thank you for reading
Thank you for talking the time to read my blog pos.I truly appreciate your interest and hope that it resonated with you. If it inspired you in any way or gave you something to think about, then my purpose has been fulfilled.
your support means a lot. Thank you once again!
Tariq Khan
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