Helping Your Child Decide What to Do after High School

Helping to prepare your teenager for life after high school may seem like a daunting task! Although many of us assume that a college education is the next vital step, other alternatives exist and may represent a better fit for your particular child. Educating your son or daughter about his options will not only help him feel more empowered as a young adult but will also likely help him to invest more fully in whatever decision you collaboratively make. Your high school graduate may want to go to college, get a job, or take a year off. Here's how you can help your adult-to-be make the best decision! College or Technical School You and your teenager will probably want to begin researching options for college and/or technical schools during your child’s junior year of high school. Encourage him to think about what qualities he is looking for in a college, such as: academic standards, location, majors and programs of interest, career possibilities, and extracurricular involvement. Help your child begin to articulate his personal goals and dreams. Does a particular college or technical school help them move in the right direction? After doing some online research and talking to people, creating a list of potential schools to visit might be a good idea. Sitting in on a class, talking with students who attend that school, and figuring out options for financial aid will help you both become clear about which options will provide the best fit. It’s important to be upfront with your teen about the level of emotional and financial support you’re willing to provide if he goes to college. Job Options If college isn't an option or your teenager needs extra time to earn money for tuition, finding a job or internship may be a better choice. Going directly into the work force offers several possible benefits, including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and valuable work experience. Helping your teenager research job options, learn how to create a resume, and prepare for interviews will be very helpful for landing the first real job! Entering the military is another alternative that may help a young person decide what kind of lifestyle, values, and social role he wants for the long-term. Veterans are entitled to many benefits, both while in the service and afterward. Talking with friends and family who have military experience may provide valuable information for this decision. Taking Time Off For some young people, taking a year off between high school and whatever comes after can be beneficial. Opportunities for travel/study abroad, community service, and/or self-exploration abound! Community service organizations offer a wide variety of choices that young people can match with their skills and interests. Americorp, for example, offers hundreds of programs across the United States with a small stipend, plus a chance to obtain money for college or vocational training. Many religious organizations provide international service programs and missions opportunities as well. Remember: It's Your Child's Life When the subject concerns the future, some young people may try to shrug it off. Here's how to get the ball rolling and keep communication flowing: • Really listen to your child and resist the temptation to provide unsolicited advice. If he is struggling to make a decision, a story or two about a tough choice you had to make might be very reassuring. • Provide respect and support while giving up some control. Trying to direct your child's future probably won't benefit him/her in the long run. This is a time for young people to develop invaluable decision-making and problem-solving skills. • Prepare your child to be self-sufficient away from home. This includes making major decisions regarding dating, drugs, alcohol, and sex, as well as mastering day-to-day living skills (cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, paying bills, and managing a budget). • Don't be afraid to set limits on how much you can financially support a teen who decides to take time off. It's important for young people to increasingly move toward emotional and financial independence! It can be tough for families to stay positive and open-minded while their high school graduates figure out what’s next. Resist the temptation to lecture your child and try to remain supportive, even if he keeps changing his mind. Remember that your teenager needs your positive influence and unconditional love during this transition, and eventually things will work out for the best!