Are you having or getting ready to have a conversation with your teenager about career choices? How prepared are you? Some studies have shown that parents are the greatest influence on their children's career choice, and, more significantly, play a great role in determining how well they make winning choices.
Here are a few things to consider:
Stay Current
The world of work has changed dramatically in the last decade. Sometimes it's hard to see the change especially if you have been part of the workforce or in your chosen occupation for a long time. You may need to do a bit of research to identify new work place trends, find out about emerging occupations and discover which industries are expected to have the greatest demand for workers. You need this information to help your teens make informed career choices. Keeping up to date has been made simpler by the internet. Newspapers and magazines also provide a lot of information.
Talk to your teens
Talking shows that you are interested, and there to help. To get conversations started
- Bring discussions about career choices and interests to the 'kitchen table'.
- Use time spent in the car to ask about their interests and activities.
- Get involved in an activity that you do with your teens. You could volunteer together, for example.
- Make a list of occupations of interest and select one with explore and discuss each month.
- Clip out career related articles. Put them where everyone can see and discuss.
- Explore music, books, websites, movies, TV shows, sports and other things your teens are interested in. Use these as starting points for career related discussions.
Be a good role model
Your role can range from simply listening to being actively involved. One way to support your teens is to offer your own experience. Talk about positive work experiences you have had. This sends the message that work can be meaningful and enjoyable. Balance is important. Let your teens see that life is a combination of both work and enjoyment.
Learning is a lifelong process. Embrace change and try new things to show your teens that it's fine to take calculated risks and that lifelong learning and skill development is important.
Show your teens that it's okay to make mistakes - in work and in life. Share how your own mistakes have helped you to learn and grow.
Get help
Navigating the process of connecting with your teens and understanding career planning is a challenge. You will quickly realise the importance of finding coaches and allies for yourself, as well as being a coach and ally t your teens. Some allies will be with you for a long time. Others will help with a specific situation. Either way, it is important to know who you can turn to for support. You can find allies among people who play a major role in your teen's life: coaches, teachers, guidance counselors, friends, family, elders, religious or community leaders, or even other parents. When selecting allies think about how who could help you
- Understand your teen's interests, strengths and beliefs and how to explore them
- Find out about available careers and opportunities
- Learn about relevant education and training opportunities
- Support your teens through issues or challenges they are facing
- Come up with ideas on how to pay for your teen's further education
among other things.
Taken from Career Coaching Your Teens: A Guide for Parents - www.ccdf.ca
