When it comes to something as important as your teen's future career it can be difficult, as a parent, to know how to give the right advice. Things may have changed a little since 'your day' and your child might have very different ideas about what they want to do.
Whether they're about to leave school or considering what choices to make at GCSE, there may be some difficult conversations ahead.
To help you navigate the pitfalls of the 'job chat', we asked career coach Mark Anderson for his advice on how to support your teen as they make their decisions.
Mark's advice
- Encourage your child to talk to other adults about the work they do.
- Identify their passions, and then research what jobs there may be in that area.
- Ask thought-provoking questions to spark a discussion.
- Encourage your child to speak to a careers expert.
- Support your child - whatever their idea, but make sure they know as much as possible about their preferred career choice.
For more help for your teen, the Bitesize careers section has advice from people who've found the right path for them, as well as case studies of young people in different careers. There is also help on applying for jobs, including CV and interview tips.
More from BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit…
Parents' Toolkit
Fun activities, real-life stories, wellbeing support and loads of helpful advice - we're here for you and your child.
Can’t sleep, won’t sleep? Five ways to get your child’s sleep back on track
Advice and tips on helping your kids into healthier sleep patterns
How to tackle anxiety with Dr Anna
Calming techniques to help parents and children manage their anxiety.
How to manage your child’s online world without clashing
Children and teens spend lots of time online for school and leisure, which can be a worry for parents. Here's some advice on managing your child’s screen time.
