Talking to Teens about Careers

Parents play a range of roles when parenting their teens, these roles can range from that of a teacher to being the enforcer of rules

Parents can wear different hats at different times when interacting with their teen to guide and help develop them.

Parents should take a flexible approach when discussing careers with their teens, the time will be dependent on the temperament and situation. The challenge for parents is to make sure you wear the right hat in the appropriate situation, choose the time to speak to your teen about your careers when you're both in an open frame of mind.

Teens want to hear your thoughts and ideas and will appreciate you working alongside them to plan their career goals.

Listen to their thoughts and ideas and help them to explore the world of careers.

Share your story

All parents want to help their teens make good decisions. Building on your own experience is a great place to start. Do you remember who helped you find your path?

Young people want honesty, they want to know that what they are feeling isn't so different from what you felt at their age. What path did you take to get where you are now? Take a few minutes to think about your career, your interests and passions and how these connect to where you are now.

What's your story?

Think back to the way you saw your future when you were a teenager. What comes to mind, and who helped you?

There is no wrong or right career journey, just a path you're on and the next one you might take.

For young people, finding a path they're passionate about, fits their interests and builds on their skills is key. Being there for them along the way and sharing your experience and what you have learnt can really make a difference.

● What stories could you share about your own pathway experience?

● Do you think your son and daughter are going through similar experiences you went through? What have you learnt from these experiences?

● How did adults in your life help you along your path?

● Was there information you felt would have helped you but you couldn't find?

● What did you want to be at your child’s age and what are you now?

● What changes would you make if you could?

● What things happened to you that you wouldn't change?

To start the career exploration process:

● Be aware of your reactions to your teenager’s ideas and their extracurricular activities, and interests. Do not judge or dismiss their ideas as this will stop them from talking with you about their options.

● The way parents talk about jobs can impact enormously on teenagers. If parents are negative about work, continually complaining about their hours, their colleagues or their boss, teenagers may think that work is an awful place or be put off that career choice.

Talk about both the positive and negative aspects of your work so they get to understand that things are neither good nor bad all of the time.

● Make sure your teenager feels the decisions are theirs, with your support. Taking responsibility for important life decisions is a significant step towards becoming an adult.

● Encourage your teen to research opportunities and take advantage of help available from school and other community services. Seeking ideas and suggestions from more than one person can be helpful, and may ease the pressure on you. The Careers Advisor at school may know about options you have not heard of, and they are there to let you and your teenager know what is available.

● Encourage your teenager to get a part time job, volunteer for community activities, sporting clubs and other organisations. Work experience or work shadowing in areas of interest can give them a realistic view of a career option. All of these can help your teen to learn more about a particular area of work and help identify strengths, weaknesses and work values.

● Help your teen to think about planning for the future. Most goals require some planning. Even things like buying a particular piece of clothing, or new skateboard, or saving up for a car purchase provides an opportunity for your team to work out a plan.

● Let your teenager know you are interested in their goals and dreams. Your support will encourage them to value their individual goals and realise that they are worth working towards, and encourage them to ask important questions about themselves in the world of work.