When our kids hit teenage years, it can feel a little odd. While they’re still dependent on us, they are growing up and we can begin to see the adults they’re going to grow into. This is such a pivotal point of their lives and you’re going to need to support them so that they can follow the paths that they want. Of course, this will be different for every teen. Some will want to head straight into work and start earning money. Some will want to pursue an apprenticeship that will give them a lifelong, profitable skill. The other option tends to be continuing into higher education, where they can gain qualifications to enter more niche and specific roles, or pursue a vocation and personal interest. Here are some tips that will help to prep your teen for this big life change!

Avoid Pressure

First, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t pressure your child into going to university. This isn’t the right decision for everyone and some people simply won’t be interested or would prefer to take other routes. This is particularly true with the cost of higher education nowadays – you don’t want your child to land themselves in huge debt for something they didn’t want to do in the first place. Make sure that you guide your child on the right journey for them, rather than what you may want yourself.

Universities and Courses

The biggest decision your child is going to make when it comes to attending university is which university they will apply to and what course they’ll apply for. There are countless options out there. A good place to start is course – what is your child interested in, what role do they want after university and what areas interest them most. Then look at league tables for these courses, as these will show the most successful institutions in your child’s chosen field. You can also consider elements such as location, proximity to home and more. There are usually open days where your teen can visit the campus and meet staff on prospective courses.

Accommodation

Every student is going to need some sort of accommodation while they study. Your child may choose to attend a university close to home so that they can stay at home and commute, or they may move further afield or want the full university experience, choosing to stay in university accommodation instead. Make sure to make them aware of all of their options and you may even want to attend open days to browse different rooms with them.

Life Skills

Remember that this is likely to be your teen’s first time living alone. You may have to show them some life skills that will come in useful while they’re living away. From cooking basic dishes to using the washing machine properly, many teens lack this knowledge, but it will prove essential for independent living.

There are, of course, other areas to tackle, but those outlined above should help to get your teen’s journey out to a good start!