teen who is always on the go

[Anonymous]

DD (16) is go-go-go. She has always been this way, but especially recently.

Goes to the gym, then to school, then to practice, then to lessons. Works and volunteers on the weekends. Has hours of homework. Finds time for friends, and occasionally even me. But never just herself. I know all teens are busy, but do your teens ever get time to do nothing?

She is loving it all and rarely complains, but, it is over-kill.

Are some people just seriously ok with that? I could never imagine never wanting time to relax. Do some people never burn out?

I guess all I can do is tell her that she is more than welcome to slow down.... I can't force her to not be busy!

[Anonymous]

This is not ok.

She needs rest and down time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is not ok.

She needs rest and down time.

I am glad someone else shares my concern.... I just don't know how to go about convincing her of that.

[Anonymous]

Mine was like that. She’s in college now and I think it’s still how she rolls. I do worry sometimes about her ability to just be still and to take downtime when she needs it. I think it’s some thing she’s learning, but would still like to be able to be five places at once most of the time.

[Anonymous]

I think some people are like that. She might be strongly extroverted if she doesn’t want to spend time alone.

[Anonymous]

You are either trying to sell her up or she is running from the demons she has inside.

You decide, mom.

[Anonymous]

Why is this a problem? She seems to have a lot of energy and that's great.

[Anonymous]

I think some people are just like this? My mom is, my DH kind of is, and 1 of my 3 kids seems to be trending that way.

I am an introvert who needs quiet time so it has always seems astonishing to me- but for the adults I know who are like this, they truly seem to love it and be wired this way.

For a teen, I really am not sure. Will be very interested to see the other responses

[Anonymous]

My ex is like that. Extreme extrovert. Never wants or needs downtime. Always on the go. It exhausted me. I've known him for over 20 years and he's always been like that.

[Anonymous]

Yes, mine was like this. Some ppl are energized by friends, that’s part of being an extrovert. I’d just ask her if she doesn’t feel like she needs to rest quietly. She’ll likely be able to tell you where she gets her physical and mental rest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think some people are like that. She might be strongly extroverted if she doesn’t want to spend time alone.

I have a 12 year old like this. She cannot be cintained!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD (16) is go-go-go. She has always been this way, but especially recently.

Goes to the gym, then to school, then to practice, then to lessons. Works and volunteers on the weekends. Has hours of homework. Finds time for friends, and occasionally even me. But never just herself. I know all teens are busy, but do your teens ever get time to do nothing?

She is loving it all and rarely complains, but, it is over-kill.

Are some people just seriously ok with that? I could never imagine never wanting time to relax. Do some people never burn out?

I guess all I can do is tell her that she is more than welcome to slow down.... I can't force her to not be busy!

Sounds like a you problem

[Anonymous]

Are you kidding OP? Most kids her age sit around at home alone and stare at screens all evening and weekend. Be grateful.

I would offer her a mental health day from school and tell her she can do whatever she wants to do that day - for herself. Take her out to lunch and see if she will open up. Is there anything you want to drop? Do you do these things because they all truly make you happy, or are some of the things to impress us parents, colleges, or your friends. I just want to be sure you are happy and content.

Some highly extroverted people stay this 24/7 to avoid depression (think Robin Williams) and some are doing it for the college/one up game. And then there are many that are just truly happy.

But what you can't do is say, I think it is overkill - because you are asking for her to shut down and not trust you.

[Anonymous]

My college student is like that. Just now, as he gets older, he is starting to recognize it's ok to take a little downtime. I think he is anxious and always feels like he needs to be doing things. But he is improving and I keep reminding him it's ok to relax for a few hours and take a break.

But it's better than the alternative (not doing anything) so I feel he just needs to figure it out for himself.

[Anonymous]

My older daughter is like that too. It’s a personality thing! People have to do what makes them happy, so I’d leave her be