Parents and Adolescents: Navigating Career Choices

Abstract

The transition to adolescence marks a critical period for self-discovery and identity formation. One significant aspect of this journey is the selection of a career path. Parents play a pivotal role in guiding their teens through this process. Informed by Erik Erikson’s theory, we explore strategies for parents to support their adolescents in making informed career decisions. Our approach emphasizes aptitude assessment, open communication, active listening, encouragement and experiential learning. Adolescents benefited from opportunities to experiment, intern, and explore their desired careers. When indecision arose, parents stepped in, proposing their own career paths for experimentation. Flexibility and adaptability were key. By fostering a unified family approach, we aim to strengthen family bonds and empower adolescents for a stable future.