Taking Time Off
For some teens, taking a year off between high school and the "real world" can
be beneficial. This can be a good time to travel, do community service, or even live
in a foreign country before the responsibilities of life make it harder to do so.
Community service organizations offer a wide variety of choices that teens can
match with their skills and interests. Americorps, for example, offers hundreds of
programs across the United States with a small stipend, plus a chance to obtain money
for college or vocational training. Many religious organizations provide community
service programs as well.
However, teens should keep in mind that a brochure may look different from reality,
such as with work and service camps in developing countries. They should expect difficulties
but know that the rewards of community service often outweigh the hardships —
and can actually change the direction of a person's life. Speaking with previous participants
should give a more realistic view than promotional material.
And taking time off doesn't necessarily put a teen at a disadvantage for college
admission. For many teens — especially those who choose an internship or international
service — it can actually be an advantage.
While researching colleges, find out if they have delayed admissions programs.
If not, ask the colleges what their position is on students who take time off and
a teen's chances of getting in if he or she reapplies.
It's Your Teen's Life
When the subject concerns the future, some teens may try to shrug it off. Here's
how to get the ball rolling and keep communication flowing:
- Really listen to your teen and resist the temptation to provide unsolicited advice.
If your teen is struggling to make a decision, a story or two about a tough choice
you had to make could be very reassuring.
- Provide respect and support while giving up some control. Trying to direct your
teen's future probably won't be a benefit in the long run. This is the time for teens
to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Prepare your teen to be self-sufficient away from home. This includes making major
decisions regarding dating, drugs, alcohol, and sex, as well as mastering day-to-day
living skills (cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, paying bills, and managing
a budget).
- Don't be afraid to set limits on how much you can financially support a teen who
decides to take time off. It's important for teens to learn independence.
Where to Get Help
The Internet is a good starting point for researching information on your teen's
interests. Also enlist the help of school counselors, who can help steer kids in the
right direction or refer them to other good sources of information.
And don't overlook your local library. In addition to books and magazine articles
on subjects of interest, the librarian can be a wealth of information.
There are many associations, both local and national, for thousands of occupations.
Find out where they're located and get information how to pursue particular career
paths.
Your teen may also be able to attend meetings or arrange to interview people at
their workplaces to find out more about what they do. Make use of friends, relatives,
or others you know in different industries. After all, there's often nothing more
flattering than having someone ask about what you do.
Finally, resist the temptation to lecture and try to remain supportive and enthusiastic,
even if your teen keeps changing his or her mind. Your teen needs your positive influence
during this transitional time.