Introduction

“I don’t like writing.” It’s a common complaint among teens, and it’s easy to see why. Writing can feel overwhelming, boring, or just plain hard, especially when they don’t understand the purpose of an assignment. However, with the right approach, writing doesn’t have to feel like work. If you’ve ever thought, “My child hates writing,” read this post to learn some practical ways to address this challenge.

Why Teens Dislike Writing

Teens who say they don’t like writing often feel this way for a few reasons. For some, writing is simply difficult; it requires organizing thoughts, finding the right words, and editing mistakes, each of which can be both frustrating and time-consuming. Others find writing boring, especially if they’re stuck with repetitive assignments or prompts that don’t interest them. And many teens don’t see the purpose behind a given assignment, making it feel like busywork instead of something meaningful.

Building Confidence Through Small Wins

The first step to helping teens enjoy writing is to make it less intimidating. I start with simpler tasks to help students warm up to the process and build their confidence. For example, I’ll assign “Would You Rather?” questions that let them write about fun, low-pressure topics while showing me their strengths and weaknesses. From there, I gradually introduce more challenging assignments, ensuring that each step feels manageable.

The Power of Positive Feedback

When teens write something, I always praise what they’ve done well before offering suggestions for improvement. In addition, I sometimes ask them to share their own positive feedback on their work as well. This approach helps them see that the goal of writing isn’t just “fixing mistakes” but developing their skills and making note of their progress as their writing grows. By focusing on what they’re doing right, teens feel more motivated to keep improving.

Connecting Writing to Their Interests

One of the best ways to make writing more engaging is to tie it to something students already enjoy. For instance, when deciding which book my students and I will read together as a basis for their writing tasks with me, I share recommendations that relate to their interests (which I ask them about during our very first lesson together). If the students like the book their reading, and their writing tasks are all based on that book, there's a better chance the students will be more willing to do the writing than if the writing were completely unrelated to their passions.

A Success Story

I once worked with a student who loved creative writing but dreaded academic assignments. To help her bridge the gap, we incorporated creative writing into her lessons. She used her vocabulary words in short stories and tied her essays to books she enjoyed reading. By starting with simpler writing tasks and gradually increasing the difficulty, she grew more confident in her academic writing skills. While she may never love academic writing, she’s learned to approach it with far less resistance and even a bit of enthusiasm.

Why Writing Matters

Not every teen will enjoy writing, but it’s an essential skill they’ll need throughout their lives. From writing emails or reports to crafting research papers or articles, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing is a cornerstone of success in any field. Teens may not see the value of writing now, but understanding its real-world applications can help them appreciate why it’s worth the effort. You might even consider showing them how you use writing in your everyday life, professional or otherwise.

Making Writing Manageable

When teens feel overwhelmed by writing, it’s important to break the process into smaller steps:

• Start with brainstorming. Jot down ideas and choose the most compelling ones.

• Write out of order. If the introduction is proving to be challenging, tackle the body paragraphs first, then add both the introduction and conclusion at the end.

• Take breaks. Stepping away can provide a fresh perspective when it’s time to edit.

• Focus on progress, not perfection. Every piece of writing is an opportunity to learn and improve.

By approaching writing one step at a time, students can build their skills without feeling defeated. And to keep things interesting, I incorporate a variety of writing assignments, from persuasive essays or personal reflections to short stories and descriptive paragraphs. By mixing it up, students stay engaged and develop a well-rounded set of writing skills.

Final Thoughts

When teens say they don’t like writing, it’s often because they feel frustrated or disconnected from the process. But with the right support, writing can become less of an annoyance and more of an opportunity to express themselves, share their ideas, and build critical life skills. So, if you find yourself thinking, “My child hates writing,” remember that it’s possible to help them see writing in a new light and develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime. If you’re interested in further help for your teen, contact me today to learn more about the personalized support and guidance I provide through my 1-1 tutoring sessions.