Ask important questions.
- What are your interests? (This could range from music, math, or forensic science to sports, fashion, or law (and everything in between). When you hear the response, ask why. Allow your teen to do some critical thinking and explore the reasons why he/she gravitates toward a particular interest or interests. Did someone in the family inspire him/her? Does it come easy for your child?
- What are your strong skills? Is your child articulate? A great story-teller? Detail-oriented? Athletic? Tech-savvy? Artistic? Analytical? Cerebral? Once your teen has answered this question, dig further and ask for examples of when he/she feels these particular skills really shine.
- What are your career goals? Does your teen want to be a doctor? An environmentalist? A teacher? Does he/she have an entrepreneurial spirit and envision opening up a business? What are different ways your child envisions earning his/her income?
- What are your lifelong ambitions? Does your child want to travel the world? Climb mountains? Get married and have children? Overall, what does your teen value in life?

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Consider Your Family’s Current Situation