By soaringbird on Flickr
Think that letter “d” can’t happen to you? The number of youth who have left home after high school and are back living with their parents has exploded in recent years. Help your child think about their future options now as this is exactly what is needed for a smooth transition into adulthood.
Be an eParent®! Together with your child, find online resources that promote your child’s interests in hobbies, causes, careers and schools. For instance:
- Find videos on YouTube that showcase causes your preteen is interested in. Together, make a Facebook page to recruit others to the cause!
- Search online for e-books that focus on hobbies your pre-teen is interested in. For example, if your teen loves to take photos, find instructional e-books that demonstrate photography techniques. Brainstorm ideas on how this hobby could grow into a job!
- Google how much various jobs pay and what training is necessary for these occupations. Talk with your pre-teen what preparation they can do now to learn more about various jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a great website for teens exploring career options.
Teens test and build their capabilities in many ways. Exploring causes, careers and hobbies is one way your teen is building her identity as an individual. You can support your teen’s curiosity and learning by helping to find online resources and apps that can teach new skills or support a special interest or future pursuit.
To learn more contact UW-Extension Family Living Programs or like Family Living on Facebook.
