Perseverance: High school and making a career choice

Your role as a parent throughout high school

At the beginning of high school, young people are generally in the exploration stage. They begin to recognize and express their academic and personal interests, strengths, and abilities. Developing self-knowledge and personal skills takes several years. These discoveries will have an impact on the young person's educational and professional progress throughout their life. 

Your role as a parent is fundamental to your child's academic perseverance and success. Although guidance and counselling activities are part of your child's school program, you remain the main source of inspiration for your child's career choices. Read the article "How to help your teen stay in school" to learn more about the role you can play.

5 steps to support your teen's development

1. Help your teen develop self-esteem by encouraging and praising them for both their efforts and their successes. Find free encouragement tools here!
2. Name the things they did well and the skills that were needed to achieve them.
3. Take an interest in your child by asking them questions about current events, their studies, hobbies, friends, etc. which help them discover their tastes and values and develop a positive sense of self.
4. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities so that they can gain independence and confidence.
5. Encourage your child to develop personal projects based on their interests and to set realistic goals. 

Exploring the different paths is important and necessary

Did you know that a young person can choose from more than 4,000 educational programs, more than 1,300 trades and various types of training (vocational, technical, university, specialized, semi-specialized, etc.), diplomas or qualifications (DVS, DEC, BACC, certificate, etc.)? 

While some young people develop a clear idea of their future more quickly, others need more time. It is perfectly normal for teenagers, who are still forming their identity, to hesitate when trying to choose a lifelong career without trial and error or changing their mind several times.

6 practices to help your teen explore the working world

1. Accompany and encourage your teen to participate in school and career information workshops such as school open houses, career days, and job fairs!
2. Encourage them to research the sectors that interest them and the educational pathways that lead to them.
3. Invite them to get in touch with people who work in occupations that appeal to them or to participate in day-long internships, job shadowing, or virtual conferences related to these fields.
4. Encourage them to volunteer or have a part-time job.
5. Compare and contrast your ideas of what careers might be right for your child with their own ideas.
6. Share with your child your own experiences of your education and career path.

Why it's important to be with your child every step of the way

When your child shares his concerns and questions with you, it is important to be open, to listen, and to be empathetic. Your role as a parent is to help your teenager think more deeply about who they really are. Discuss as much as possible with your teenager and offer them the best possible tools for their situation. 

Remember that at this age, your teen may change their mind from one week to the next, and ultimately, the decision will be entirely up to them. However, by listening to your child, you will be able to guide them in making informed decisions based on their interests and abilities, while also respecting their values and personality.

References (in french)

Desjardins, Mon enfant, son avenir
Espace parents
Réussir ma vie, Parents face à l'orientation de votre ado : un guide enrichi et mis à jour
Ceric 2012, Pour mieux cerner le rôle des parents en orientation scolaire et professionnelle