The years of our youth can be magical. In unique form, there is great splendor in being young and feeling the world before you.

Today’s young people have countless possibilities awaiting them as they fulfill the visions they hold of themselves and the contributions they desire to make within their corner of the world. Academic programs or clubs, sporting teams or community organizations all offer students the ability to participate in venues of both passion and purpose while also discovering and refining individual skills and talents.

Busy kids

At times, the quest for young people to fulfill their envisioned potential or another’s expectations (whether societal, parental or introduced by peers) can drive young people to devote themselves to so many commitments and activities they begin to suffer the effects. I am consistently in the presence of young people who speak of the busyness in their life and the demands to accomplish much. They are struggling to simply survive the rush of their day and the demands of their commitments — often made to everything and everyone but themselves.

Many young people are tired and worn out and lack the zest for life they once knew. What began as an exciting adventure of activity has become a dreaded journey. The destination feels murky and the routine is suffocating. The nourishment of eating is sporadic and quick. Sleep is restless and minimal. Time for friendships and play is seldom found. Grades decline or are maintained at a heavy cost. The abundance of activities intended for prosperity and pleasure has become overwhelming. There simply isn’t enough time to do it all.

Find a balance

Recently, I spoke with Paul Narancic, school counselor at Bothell’s Canyon Park Junior High and the coach for the school’s girls and boys basketball teams. Paul believes it is vital for young people to be involved in activities in addition to balancing their academic journey — in moderation, not excess (such as one activity each quarter). When an activity supplements schoolwork, generally young people can balance these domains well as their lives are enhanced by developing skill and talent and enhancing a greater sense of themselves.

In his experience in working with students, Paul notes that often young people struggle to find a healthful balance when they are surrounded by the abundance of too many activities or are overtaken by one activity in particular —the Internet and the technology available to this generation.

Internet addiction

When students spend hours on Internet sites such as MySpace and Facebook or hours playing video games, they are not able to cultivate time and energy for success in academic and social or extracurricular realms. In his view (and echoed in my own sentiments), the addiction and drama inspired especially by Internet dialogue among peers brings unnecessary anxiety and stress and depression to young people — intensifying the challenges already inherent at this developmental age and contributing to the exhaustion often felt among this generation.

Where this is the case, parental intervention and guidance is needed.

If you have a young person in your home, rather than rush them to the next scheduled event or allow them to turn toward technology tonight, take some time to reflect together on the pace and the quality of their life. Whisk them away to enjoy dinner in downtown Bothell or invite them to walk with you along the Burke-Gilman Trail and enter a slower pace.

Have a chat

Talk with them about the way time is spent in their life and how it is feeling to them. Share your own observations about what you notice and where you see spaces of thriving and challenge. Speak with them about the importance of resting and caring for themselves in the midst of this season in their life. Maintain what is valued and good and make corrections where needed.

These years of youth fly by — don’t delay in creating fulfilling and nourishing and sustaining years to cherish and endure for a lifetime.

Shannon Renae West is a licensed family therapist working with adolescents and young adults in Bothell. For information, visit www.ShannonRenae.com.