The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Lisa's latest New York Times best seller is an urgently needed guide to help parents understand their teenagers’ intense and often fraught emotional lives—and how to support them through this critical developmental stage.

Under Pressure

Under Pressure

Lisa’s second New York Times best seller is a celebrated guide to addressing the alarming increase in anxiety and stress in girls from elementary school through college.

Untangled

Untangled

Lisa’s award-winning New York Times best seller–now available in nineteen languages–is a sane, informed, and engaging guide for parents of teenage girls.

Join today

Untangling 10 to 20 is a dynamic library of premium content designed to support anyone who is raising, working with, or caring for tweens and teens.

Become a member

Already a member?

Log in

February 6, 2024

Dear Teenagers

When Motivation Goes Missing

We should not expect teens to feel motivated to do all that we ask of them – especially given that they often have little choice in the matter. So how can we help teens find motivation to complete the tasks that they don’t find engaging?

In this three-minute video, Dr. Lisa Damour explains the two different forms of motivation and how to harness them when needed. You can show this Dear Teenagers video to your teen, watch it together, or use it for guidance on how to talk with your teenager when motivation goes missing.

Looking for more? Parents can watch the Untangling Family Life video “Helping 10to20s Find Motivation” here.

More resources

See all

The advice provided here by Dr. Damour and the resources shared by her AI-powered librarian, Rosalie, will not and do not constitute - or serve as a substitute for - professional psychological treatment, therapy, or other types of professional advice or intervention. If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, consult a physician or mental health professional.