Most parents are invested in what their children do after high school graduation. However, like most areas of parenting, there’s a need for a balance between expressing hopes and desires for your children, and letting them figure out their path on their own.
“It’s very important for parents to be involved in the process, but they shouldn’t necessarily be decision makers,” said Hayley Emery, head of the Guidance and Counseling Department at Newport Middle High School. “A lot of it is asking the prodding questions to get kids thinking about their future.”
Luckily, setting kids up for a successful future can begin long before the end of high school. Here’s how parents can encourage kids of all ages to consider their career options:
Elementary School: Begin exposing kids to a variety of jobs and careers. Point out the many different ways that people can make a living.
Middle School: Talk with kids about their interests. Help them explore career options that align with those interests, but that they may not be exposed to in person. Share your own career path and education story. Talk to students about technical school and dual enrollment high school options.
Freshman Year: Begin asking students what they plan to do after high school. Urge them to consider all options, from trade school to university. Meet with the guidance department to put together a four-year plan, but understand that may change.
Sophomore Year: Continue conversations about post-secondary options, exploring how details like finances or location might affect a student’s plan.
Junior Year: Visit colleges together. Encourage internships and work opportunities that will give teens real-world experience in their areas of interest. Enroll in necessary testing (like the SAT or ACT).
Senior Year: With your teen, set specific plans for after graduation. Ask open-ended questions about details and the big picture to ensure they’re considering everything they need to make their plan a success.