Career planning for kids is an important milestone in a teenager’s life, where parents have a major role to play. Parental involvement in children’s education is essential for the growth and direction of their teens. But if a parent is the one making the entire career plans and presenting ideas, then the child ends up trapped.

Joan E. McLean, associate dean for academic advising at Ohio Wesleyan University advises parents to help their kids in understanding their interests and connecting them with career plans; but discouraged them from taking action on their child’s behalf. Similarly, she encouraged students to identify their interests – which would still be developing – and adhere to that calling.

Understanding your child’s interest 

Parents are often extremely concerned about their teen's education and their career tracks. However, the best approach is to understand the child’s interest and then help him/her research professionals associated with it. For example, if singing is your teen’s passion and they plan to have a career in it, then as a parent it’s your responsibility to help your child research and learn those skill from proper instructors.

Never undermine your child’s interest 

Every parent wants to see their child successful and settled in his life. However, there are some professions which may be a gamble at success; like professions related to art. At times parents feel like their child's goals a tad bit unrealistic. But the key here is to let them try out all their tracks and not restricting them in anyway. You never know, they may end up being another Salvador Dali or Michelangelo!

Do not pressure your kid

In most cases, teens are not aware of the career they want to pursue and they hesitate to discuss it with their parents. This is the time when parents should realize that pressure will not yield any result. Not every teen is sure about their future plans. Therefore, parents should step back and give them space and time to figure out their interests and career path. Meanwhile, parents can help their kids to identify their strengths and weaknesses, so that the teens can make an intelligent decision.

The beginning 

Interests leads to passion and someday these passions can be translated into careers. Parents should encourage their children to stay involved in activities that interest them as early as possible. If a child is interested in animals, then they can volunteer at a local veterinary clinic or zoo to increase their knowledge of animals. This will help them identify their interest at early age and have a focus in life later on.