Teenagers often feel that adults expect them to determine their future careers before leaving high school, but the truth is more nuanced. You want your teen to be in tune with themself and their place in the world, but you also want to leave room for their future growth.
Having meaningful conversations with your child can bring you closer together and empower you to support them. Prompt your child’s self-reflection with these four questions to ask your high schooler about their future.
Where Would You Like To Be in Five Years?
Visualizing the future can help your child focus on the life they want as an adult. Creating a strong mental image of their future self can build their excitement and motivation.
Help your teen create a roadmap to achieving their five-year goals. This roadmap will give them reasonable goals to work toward and a timeline that converts their dreams of the future into actions they can take today.
Which School Subjects Interest You the Most?
Ask your teen about the school subjects they most enjoy so you can learn more about their interests. When your teen recognizes their academic passions, this can guide their choices in college or career.
Encouraging personal reflection is one key element of helping high school students choose a career path. By considering what they like about their favorite subjects, your child can discover more about their curiosity, passions, values, and preferred ways to solve problems.
What Kind of Change Would You Like To Make in the World?
Another question to ask your high schooler about their future is how they want to change the world. This question isn’t about placing immense responsibility on your teen’s shoulders. Instead, they should understand that everyone has the power to change the world positively, even in small ways.
Consider asking your teen if they’re interested in these issues:
- Healthcare
- Social justice
- Education
- Conservation
What Jobs Interest You and Why?
Finally, ask your teen about the jobs that interest them and what they find appealing about those careers. Stating that they’re interested in a job doesn’t mean they are locked in on that career path. But it’s a good starting point for learning more about a particular job’s requirements and responsibilities.
Encourage your teen to research the professions they’re interested in. They can learn about the required education and skills, and perhaps seek related internships or part-time jobs. The more informed they are, the better they can make decisions about their career.
Asking these questions can help your child be more mindful about their aspirations. Check in with your teen periodically to see if their interests have changed or realigned. Your continued support can help your child grow into adulthood and achieve a fulfilling future.