All Photos: Skylar Kang
Helping your teenage plans help their future plans sound like a big job, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to map their entire lives or prepare all the answers. What really helps is that they guide them while understanding what excites them and what life they want. Whether they dream big or not, still starting those conversations can make a huge difference later.
- Tell us about the financial aspects now
- Supports networking and mentorship
Encourage teens to build connections with adults that can provide valuable guidance and insight into a variety of career areas. These relationships, often referred to as mentorship, can greatly shape the path for the future. It’s not just about finding a job. It is about gaining perspective, understanding different industries, and learning from experienced individuals.
- Tell them what they actually want
The teens are hit by questions about their future, and honestly, it’s overwhelming. Instead of asking, “What do you want to be?” try something a little lighter, like “What do you enjoy?” Or “Want to know more?” This could lead to a more natural conversation about a career, course, or transaction that suits your personality.
- Encourage them to try things out
Experience is everything. If your teen doesn’t know what they want, it’s completely normal. I encourage you to try a variety of things. You can make it clear by signing up for part-time jobs, volunteering, someone’s shadow at work, or for a short course. These little steps help them understand what they like and what they’re not doing, and it’s just as valuable.
You can also find a way to build a simple resume, or help them coach them, through what they say in the email when they reach out to someone for advice. These real-world skills are a booster of confidence and they go a long way.
The final thought…
The key is that they feel they can come to you, ask questions and talk about things without being judged. You don’t have to be their career coach. Be their cheerleader. That alone will help shape their future in the best way.
Source: January Girl – www.lizbreygel.com
