Instead of explaining what they are thinking, they add "ya know?" or some variation of that to the end of their sentences. Is it that they are incapable of finishing a thought, or is that they are afraid to finish their thought?
I feel like we need to challenge them more on that. When they say "Ya know?", then we need to say "No, I don't know. Explain it to me." Give them the opportunity to finish their thoughts. Challenge their thinking.
Adults complain all the time about teenagers not putting forth any effort, but we are enablers. We allow it to happen. I wasn't challenged when I was in high school. I wasn't told, "You finish what you start." I wasn't taught to live up to my full potential. I was taught that it's okay to dream, but only if you don't dream too big. I was taught that when something gets difficult, it's okay to give up and walk away. I was taught mediocracy. That is the norm.
I'm not mediocre, and being normal is vastly over rated.
I expect more from the people I have chosen to invest in. I invested in these particular people because I know they are capable of great things, even if they don't. I want to be for them what someone should have been for me.
"Be the change you want to see in the world."--Gandhi
