09/05/2026
If you have children in the Sedro-Woolley School District , you might have noticed RISE has a new monthly article, Prevention Matters. The article will be featured in the Sedro-Woolley School District newsletter once a month and focus on a prevention topic for families. September's article is about helping your teen find their thing. That interest, sport or hobby that gives them their spark. ✨️
To read the district newsletter https://app.smore.com/n/ry0va-district-newsletter?ref=email
Or read our article below 👇
Prevention Matters
September: Finding Their Thing
Every teen needs something that makes them feel like themselves.
It might be a sport, a musical instrument, art, FFA, robotics, theater, dance, photography, volunteering, working with animals, cooking, building things, or something else entirely. It doesn't have to be something they are naturally great at. It just needs to be something that sparks their interest and makes them want to keep showing up.
These interests can be more than just a way to fill an afternoon. They can give teens a sense of belonging, purpose, confidence, and connection—protective factors that support healthy development and can help reduce the risk of substance use.
Why finding “their thing” matters.
The teenage years are a time of exploration. Teens are figuring out who they are, where they fit, and what matters to them. Having something they genuinely care about can provide a positive place to channel their energy and curiosity.
Meaningful activities can also create opportunities to build relationships with positive peers and supportive adults. A coach who notices when a student is struggling, a teacher who encourages their creativity, a teammate who becomes a close friend, or a mentor who believes in their potential can all become important sources of support.
Research and youth development work have increasingly emphasized the importance of helping young people discover their strengths and passions. Natural High describes these interests as a young person's “spark”—something that brings energy, purpose, and joy.
Their thing doesn't have to be your thing.
One of the most helpful things parents can do is create opportunities to explore without deciding what the outcome should be.
Maybe your teen isn't interested in the activity you loved growing up. Maybe they try three things and quit all three. Maybe their passion isn't competitive, impressive, or something that will ever go on a college application.
That's okay.
The goal isn't to find the “perfect” activity. It's to help your teen discover what makes them curious, engaged, or excited to learn more.
Pay attention to the moments when they seem most energized. What do they talk about without being asked? What makes them lose track of time? What are they willing to practice even when they're not immediately good at it?
Sometimes finding a passion starts with simply giving a teen permission to try something new.
Help them find opportunities to belong
For some teens, “their thing” will be an organized activity. For others, it might be a smaller interest or a relationship that gives them a sense of purpose.
Encourage your teen to explore opportunities available through school and in the community—clubs, sports, music, arts, service projects, leadership, outdoor activities, jobs, volunteering, and more.
And don't underestimate the importance of the people they meet along the way. A meaningful activity can connect a teen with peers who share their interests and adults who encourage them to grow.
The goal isn't to keep teens busy every minute of the day. It's to help them build a life that includes connection, purpose, healthy outlets, and people who support them.
What parents can do?
You don't need to have all the answers. Start with curiosity.
Ask:
“What is something you wish you could get better at?”
“What activity makes you lose track of time?”
“Is there something you've always wanted to try?”
“Who at school do you really enjoy being around?”
“If you could try anything this year, what would it be?”
Then listen.
Your teen may already know what their “thing” is. Or they may still be searching. Either way, your encouragement can help them keep exploring.
Because prevention isn't just about telling teens what not to do. It's also about helping them build a life they feel connected to and excited about.
Sometimes, finding one thing you love can be the beginning of finding where you belong.
⭐️One Thing to Try
Ask your teen: “What's one thing you'd love to try this year, just because it sounds interesting?”
Don't worry about whether it's practical, productive, or something they will stick with. Just listen—and if they have an idea, help them take one small step toward trying it.
Want more on this topic?
Come to a RISE meeting!
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 8
3–4:30 p.m. in the Sedro-Woolley High School Library
District newsletter
