As parents and carers, it’s impossible not to worry about our young people. During their high school years one of your biggest concerns might be how well they’re doing or how hard they’re trying at school.
Where to find help
The first, most obvious step if you are worried about your child’s progress is to speak with the teachers or Careers Advisor at their school. They want your child to succeed, so will let you know if there are any areas of concern and be able to suggest ways to help.
What you can do
Most teens are beginning to assert their independence and advice from parents or carers can sometimes have the opposite effect of what we’d like to achieve.
So what can you do?
- Let them know that you’re there to support them whatever they decide
- Ask regularly about their hopes and aspirations
- Try to avoid arguing about school issues and keep your choice of words around school positive
- Encourage them to take responsibility for their own schoolwork, results, and attendance
How you can show support
Find small ways to remind your teens that you’re there if they need you.
Your support could look like:
- Regular micro conversations about what they’re doing at school and what they’re enjoying or struggling with (that means accepting the one-word answers you might get)
- Asking about the extra-curricular activities or hobbies they’re enjoying
- Chatting about what their peers are involved with
- Asking how you can help when they’re struggling
- Giving them some space if they need it
Suggest ways you could help
At some point you might realise that your help is needed rather than just your unspoken support, or you may be directly asked for help, then it’s your time to shine.
You could:
- Check if they would like you to speak to their teacher or school with them
- Ask if they would like some tutoring
- See if their study space is working for them and if not help them to find a fix (whether it’s setting something up in their room or helping them get to the local library)
- Offer to get them a calendar or help them find an app to keep track of their schedule and deadlines, or offer to be the one who checks in and helps them stay on track
- Ask if they would like some help managing their extra-curricular time too. From helping them to find a job, suggesting activities, or just exploring transport options together which help them become more independent
- Encourage them to think about their work-life balance and how to change or improve it. It’s an important skill and essential for mental wellbeing
Things to remember
Family support is priceless and could help your young people to have the confidence to try new things and tell you what they really want to do.
Doing well at school is great but isn’t the only way to be successful, so be prepared to listen to other ideas and help your young person research the best option for them.
These days there are lots of pathways other that could enable your child to reach their career goals.
It’s OK if they’re not sure what they want to do after high school or if they haven’t figured out a career to aspire to yet. People change jobs and career paths all the time now and are successful and happy. Keeping an open mind, looking for opportunities, and gaining skills is probably more important.
Need more help?
Have a look at the Parent Website or Reach Out for more tips and resources.
You can also head to our website for information about pathways, vocational qualifications, career inspiration, and even wellbeing resources.