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On
the one hand, we know how fleeting youth can be and how
quickly society asks kids to grow up and "get
serious." Because of this, we want them to enjoy
every carefree minute of being young. On the other hand,
the stakes for teenagers have become much higher,
particularly when it comes to preparing for life after
high school.
Admittedly,
many high schoolers lack the maturity and/or the desire
to see beyond the immediate – after all, going out
with their teenage friends or chatting on-line are
really a lot more fun and relevant to their here and
now. However, when it comes to helping your teens to
start planning for the future, guidance counselors say
that parents are an all-important link. Living it every
day, you understand first-hand the benefits of being
able to function effectively in an adult world. Here are
some suggestions from guidance counselors on ways that
you can help prepare your teens for the world of college
and/or work, whether they are ready or willing to meet
it yet:
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Encourage
your teen to learn about the adult world by
interacting with adults. After all, the adult
world is what we are trying to prep them for,
right? And how will they ever know what it is all
about if they disappear to their rooms with their
friends every time a person older than 18 appears
in your home? Positive adult role models can come
in many forms: older siblings, family friends,
bosses and coaches and especially you. Jobs and
volunteering can also bring teens into direct
contact with mentoring adults.
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Expose
your teens to a variety of career pathways. The
American School Counselor Association suggests
that families begin to investigate career
possibilities and compare interests and abilities
with specific career requirements as early as
ninth grade. Many good interest inventories are
available on-line, including:
www.mapping-your-future.org/planning and
www.collegeboard.com/planning/myroad. If your teen
is not sure about career goals, the school
guidance staff can also help evaluate interests
and aptitudes for various occupations.
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Visit
colleges early. Visits to older siblings or
friends in college can provide teens with an
important look into the world of education beyond
high school. If your teen has expressed an
interest in a particular career or is showing an
aptitude in sports, music, art or other skill,
arrange to visit a college or technical school
that emphasizes higher education in that area. Ask
your teen’s guidance counselor for specific
recommendations.
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Take
advantage of high school internships. Hands-on
learning is one of the best ways to determine
whether a career or vocation is the right match,
to gain valuable workplace experience and a
clearer understanding of the importance of a good
education in today’s high-tech, high-skills
economy. Teens are also able to see the connection
between school and work, as they learn what kinds
of knowledge, skills and education are required to
succeed in a chosen field. Internships can also
help teens develop contacts within the local
business community and expand their future
employment possibilities. The guidance staff can
suggest internships that mesh with your teen’s
interests or point them toward computer-based
searches for other ideas.
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Help
your teen get involved in volunteer work/community
service. Volunteering their time can provide teens
with many of the same benefits of formal
internships, while allowing them to learn the
personal satisfaction that comes from helping
others. Help your teen tailor volunteer work and
community service to his or her own interests and
strengths. For example, a teen interested in
becoming a veterinarian might enjoy working at the
local animal shelter or one with teaching
aspirations might volunteer time at a local day
care center. Check with the guidance office, with
local organizations such as the United Way (www.national.unitedway.org),
church or youth organizations for suggestions.
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For
permission to reprint this article, please contact the
Capital Region BOCES Communications Service at (518)
464-3960.
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