Unlock Teen Motivation: Science-Backed Strategies with Dr. David Yeager

In this episode, Dr. David Yeager, a psychology professor at the University of Texas, shares groundbreaking insights from his book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People. He challenges common misconceptions about teen motivation and presents research-based strategies for parents and teachers to encourage teens. Dr. Yeager explains how understanding the teenage brain, using autonomy-supportive language, and practicing "do-overs" can improve communication and motivation.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• The science behind motivating teenagers and turning procrastination into action.
• Why the teenage brain isn't "incompetent" and how it responds to different stimuli than adults.
• How to use autonomy-supportive language to connect with your teen and boost motivation.
• The importance of aligning your arguments with your teen’s values.
• How to use “do-overs” to repair communication breakdowns and strengthen your relationship with your teen.

 

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. Motivate by understanding, not controlling: The teenage brain is wired differently but isn’t "broken." Understanding their perspective and values leads to better motivation.
2. Autonomy matters: Teens need to feel in control of their choices, so use autonomy-supportive language to encourage responsibility.
3. Teen emotions are powerful: Harness the intensity of teen emotions instead of fearing them. These emotions can be a source of motivation if managed well.
4. Communication is key: When communication breaks down, practice “do-overs” to repair the situation and strengthen your relationship.
5. Don’t fear the challenges: The struggle to motivate teens is not a sign of failure—it's an opportunity to connect and guide them more effectively.

 

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• 10 TO 25, the Science of Motivating Young People by Dr. David Yeager

 

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction: Unlocking the Science of Motivating Young People
• 03:41 Understanding the Teenage Brain: A New Perspective
• 06:27 Motivating Teenagers: The Power of Autonomy Support
• 14:44 Building Stronger Connections with Teenagers: Practicing Do-Overs

 

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. David Yeager

• Website: DavidYeager.com
• Twitter: @DavidYeager

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

 

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Dr. Cam (00:01.513) If you're like most parents, motivating your teen to do anything productive can feel like a daily struggle. But what if we could unlock the secret to turning procrastination into action, disinterest into engagement, and resistance into enthusiasm? That’s what we’re going to talk about today. I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. David Yeager, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, renowned for his influential research alongside esteemed colleagues like Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton. In his latest book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, Dr. Yeager dives deep into the science of adolescent motivation. He’s going to share some of his findings with us today. Dr. Yeager, welcome to the show!

Dr. David Yeager (00:46.424) Thanks for having me. I was a middle school teacher right out of college, teaching sixth through eighth-grade English at a low-income school. I also taught K through eighth-grade PE, meaning I had seven or eight preps a day. I struggled with all the challenges you can imagine—everything from getting third graders to line up for dodgeball to getting seventh graders to read The Once and Future King and The Outsiders, and turn in essays on time. I felt frustrated by the advice I was given by the scientific community and research, which led me to want to do better research. I’ve spent my career trying to conduct applied research that provides parents and teachers concret