You can support your teen’s decision by:
- Honouring your teen’s decision. Making a decision about a destination takes courage and strength. Encourage your teen to keep many options open. Lifelong learning means we will all continue to learn and grow;
- Encouraging your son/daughter to research careers in order to gain valuable information about specific job sectors and job market opportunities;
- Helping your teen to develop and recognize the skills for work, such as a positive attitude, task completion, teamwork, and meeting deadlines;
- Providing information on managing time and money;
- Introducing your teen to people you know who work in fields that interest your child. This could lead to a mentorship;
- Encouraging your teen to identify teachers, coaches and part-time employers who can write letters of recommendation for your teen;
- Encouraging you teen to have a back-up plan;
- Reminding your teen that career planning takes time and effort; time to research, time to discuss with others, and time to complete the high school diploma. Career exploration is a process, not a deadline.