Spend time with your teenager. You can do this at home or plan a casual outing. Don’t bring up school or work-related topics. Instead, focus on getting to know him better. Once you establish a stronger relationship, your teenager will be more likely to respond to your wishes and concerns.
Ask your teenager to write down a list of goals. This list can include short-term goals, such as attending a weekend party, or long-term goals, such as buying a car or attending college.
Read through each item on the list and explain how hard work can help your teenager reach these goals. For example, if your teenager wants to go to college, explain that he will need to work on his grades. If he wants his own car, he will need to get a job and save money. Offer your support.
Set example through hard work. Leave for work on time and rarely take days off. Don’t allow your teenager to catch you slacking off when you should be working. He may follow your example.
Acknowledge your teenager’s accomplishments and hard work. You may even want to offer a reward. For example, if he passes a test after a week of hard studying, treat him to dinner at his favorite restaurant.
Offer consequences as a final resort. For example, cancel cell phone service or prohibit Internet access. Don’t offer consequences that he may easily slip through. For example, if you demand that he stays home on Friday night, he may still sneak out of the house.