Last year, I held workshops for teens called College and Career Action Planning. I always feel such joy when I see a teenager get excited. I love it when they see the path forming of what they will do after high school.
Let me be real, though. Most kids come to the workshop because their parents said, “You are doing this.” I call these teens “reluctant learners.” The parent is frustrated because their kid has no idea what they want to do. They want them to take some initiative and plan for life after high school.
Many times it’s not because the teenager doesn’t want to plan. Of course, they want to move out of the house and live an independent life. They may not know where to start and are overwhelmed with the amount of information being thrown at them. They may be anxious because some of their friends have it all figured out. This can affect their self-esteem and motivation.
My teenage son once said to me,
“A life without purpose isn’t a life.”
As parents, it’s our job to help them find their purpose. We should start working with our teens by their sophomore year in high school. Otherwise, you will always feel like you are lagging. This will only cause anxiety and stress for you and your teen. Your family should enjoy these last few years of high school, not feel stressed out.
Sometimes, teens take guidance better when it comes from someone else. As a parent, I realize this may not be a new revelation to you. The phrase “it takes a village” rings true, especially when it comes to helping your teenager plan for life after high school. I would love to help your teen find the right path. Schedule a complimentary strategy session with me here.