I know how hard it is to be a parent and things will get a little bit tougher when my son reaches his teenage years. It can be the most crucial and sensitive time for both of us—it is awkward, confusing, and oftentimes annoying.
I am glad that this press release was sent to me to give me an idea on what to expect and things I need to do when we get there. I am sharing the tips with you, so read on….
8 things that could make things a bit more bearable for you and your child.
- Teach them how to be financially responsible.
Start walking him through ways on how to handle his money. One suggestion that you can make is something that is very convenient and familiar to kids these days: smartphone apps. There are apps such as Mint and Budget Boss that would make them manage their finances wisely–these will help keep track of their spending, and make them be conscious of all their purchases.
- Match their hobbies and interests with possible careers.
Be mindful of the activities that your child likes to do. List all of these things down and match them with careers that he could possibly get in the future. Don’t be too meticulous, as these interests can (and most probably will) change. The goal here is to write down everything first—the more the better!—and then narrow it down later. Which brings us to the next item…
- Talk to them about their dreams.
Your child may not always be open with what he’s been doing and feeling, but don’t let this discourage you. Things could be difficult in the beginning, but he will most likely ease out eventually.
Writing things down is a great exercise. If, for instance, he expresses that they want to be a chef, tell him to list down the things that he likes about cooking. Then, ask questions like why this is the job he dreams of having, and what he thinks a chef does. From here, reach out by exposing him to successful chef stories and highlight other good things that a chef can do (ie. give food to those who have none, set up restaurants that offer healthy food, and so on).
Aside from giving your teen an idea on what these people do, also provide him with a reality check. Tell him about the challenges that this career might bring—ie. that there’s a need to be good with numbers because of all the recipe measurements, that being a head chef will take years of practice and experience, that there will be a lot of competition that could easily break them if they do not toughen up and be patient. Give realistic expectations—tell them about both the good parts and the bad parts.
- Share your personal experiences.
Tell your teen stories from when you were just starting out. Tell them about your first job interview, share some great anecdotes about the people you’ve work with, tell them about the mistakes you’ve made and how you got through them. You’re their role model and inspiration—they may not express outright that they appreciate the things that you say, but be patient and trust that they will listen. They almost always do.
- Encourage them to join activities in the community.
Let him get out there and be part of communities in their school and your neighborhood. Some of the things that you may want to consider include charity work, literary clubs, and other regular gatherings where people meet on a regular basis. This will allow them to manage their schedule and be confident, as they will be constantly surrounded by different types of people. This will also prepare him for things he’ll need to do when he’s already working.
- Let them take personality tests.
Ask them to take fun tests that will determine his personalities. According to a study by AT&T Parent Project Career Development Course, these are great self-esteem boosters; fantastic ways to will make them feel special: “These tests allow them to say for themselves who they are and what they want. “ This helps them feel more confident and competent.” The study also suggests tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
- Do your research.
Put in a little bit more effort in keeping yourself updated on what goes on with kids these days. Trends constantly change, so you need to keep pace with what your kid’s generation is up to. These trends don’t just include things under the entertainment category (such as music and fashion), but also technology like apps, websites, social media, and other online tools.
One tool that you can check out is FutureYou.ph, a website that helps students get into the right school and find the right course. It offers three simple steps: Pick the ideal job, learn the qualifications or courses, and then find the best school.
It also provides information on what’s trending on the job market, so you and your teen will be able to have an idea on things like salaries or in-demand job. In addition, there is also a Top Performing Schools section, which will give you an idea on some of the best and the most consistent colleges and universities in the country.
- Give them space.
This could perhaps be one of the most important things that you could give to your child. They’re growing up fast, and before you know it, they’ll be adults with offices to go to and bills to pay. Make sure that after you apply all these other seven tips, you give enough space to breathe and figure things out on their own. Help them take the right direction, let them independently develop their decision-making skills, and then let them do their life-long homework.
Then, watch them from afar and see how they grow.
“Guide” is the key word that you should always keep in mind. Always remember that you are here to hold your child’s hand while he navigates his life. You’re here to recommend, to give ideas, to encourage—but never to dictate. This is about them doing what they love, and not doing what you love.
photo via: www.timeoutdubai.com
Similar Posts:
- Growing Family and Growing Needs
- Need an additional P100k for school expenses? Here’s how to raise it
- Antique Hunting
- How to Encourage Eating in Picky Eaters
- Tips for Choosing Toys for Toddlers
Leave a Reply