Taking risks often holds a negative connotation and is discouraged, especially for teenagers. However, the benefits of positive risk taking might be something to discuss with your teen. Why are positive risks acceptable and how do you encourage your teen to take them?

What is risk and why is it considered in a negative light? Risk is the possibility that attempted events will result in a harmful outcome. However, it could also result in a beneficial outcome. Some risks are negative because they could result in loss, danger, or injury. Unfortunately, when someone takes risks, it may or may not affect only them but could affect those around them.

On the other hand, you may have heard the saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. This gives the idea that one has to take risks in order to find the positive aspects to life. Your teen can try some activities without relying on negative risky behavior like drinking or taking drugs to succeed.

Teens need to know their parents believe in them and they appreciate encouragement to try new activities. They need to understand, however, that not all risk taking has positive benefits. Some risky behavior can actually be detrimental to their health and well-being. That’s why you want to maintain an open line of communication with your teen so you’ll be able to give input. Even though they may think you’re old fashioned and don’t understand, parents are still have a big influence on their teens.

What type of risk taking would you be able to support as a parent? Going out for a sports team is risky, especially considering your teen may not make the cut. Trying out for a drama would also be a risk with possible positive benefits. Both activities encourage your teen to attempt something new which has the potential to greatly influence their future if they succeed.

Positive risk taking occurs when your teen weighs the potential benefits against the possible harm associated with their choices. Positive risk taking also involves using the resource available to them to help them achieve something they want, while trying to minimize a potential negative outcome. Teens who exhibit this type of risk taking carefully think out a situation, possible consequences, and then make their decisions based on that information.

Teens like to challenge themselves and to see what they’re capable of doing. This type of activity may be risky but it’s also part of being a teenager. Teens who take positive risks are much less likely to resort to negative behavior such as taking drugs, drinking and driving, or having unprotected sexual relations.

It’s not unusual for teens to take risks. By encouraging your teen to think about their choices and actions, they’ll be able to see the benefits of positive risk taking in contrast to negative and possibly costly risks.

Student Mind Power-The High School Student’s Guide To Great Grades will show your teenager how to use the untapped potential of their mind to create outstanding academic results, develop massive self-confidence and set down a path towards a limitless life. Click here for your copy now!