A parent recently asked me this question, and I think it’s something many are worrying about:
How can I prepare my child for a future that I don’t understand?
It’s a good question and an impossible one to answer with absolute certainty. Unfortunately, no one can predict which jobs will exist in 10 or 20 years.
The good news is: although we can’t predict the future, we can prepare teenagers and young people for it. Rather than asking “What should my child study?”, a more helpful and realistic question might be: “How can I help my child learn to make decisions for themselves?”
In my coaching sessions, I help teenagers explore their strengths, passions, and values. Through self-discovery, they begin to have a clearer picture of the subjects, interests, and careers that reflect their personalities. This process is the foundation for making confident, well-informed decisions both short- and long-term.
And here’s the key point: this process doesn’t just prepare them for their first career choices. It prepares them for a lifetime of constant change. Regardless of the changes in the world, you need to adapt to new situations during your working career. Maybe when you discover new interests, reinvent yourself after having a family, or when you overcome or avoid burnout. Young people who know themselves will be able to navigate any twists and turns of their career path with confidence.
The future may be uncertain, but your job as a parent is not to make it as predictable as possible. Instead, talk to your child openly about how you handled successes and failures, support them on their journey of self-awareness, and let them talk to other adults about their career paths. With these tools, they can succeed no matter what the world looks like.
Do you need additional support?
Do you have a specific question or problem that you would like to discuss?
Take a look at our services and contact us so that we can see how we can help.
Bio
Vera has over 15 years of experience as an international educator. She has been teaching in Sweden since 2016. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and Linguistics, a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and a postgraduate degree in Teaching Students with Special Educational Needs. She speaks four languages and has worked with dozens of international families over her career. She is an English as an Additional Language specialist teacher and has extensive knowledge about language learning, maintaining the home language, education as well as special educational needs. Read more about her here.