If you are a parent of a teenager, you might find yourself worrying about how to talk to them about the prospect of attending college. For parents of high school students, the thought of discussing college can be as daunting as treating nerve pain without nerve pain cream. Trying to figure out when and how to start helping your child plan for college can feel overwhelming. Between studying for tests, applying for scholarships, and getting the best grades possible before the big day – it feels like there’s so much pressure on teenagers to make wise decisions about their future. Letting go doesn’t have to be a frightening experience however – talking with your teen about their personal aspirations and plans after graduation is an exciting time that should be approached with enthusiasm. With this blog post as a guide, let’s discuss different ways you can begin talking to your child about college in order to set them up for success!
1. Start the conversation early
Talking to your child about college when they are young is the best way to ensure that the idea of going to college and the important role that higher education can play in their future is the key to ensuring that your child is open to the idea of attending college. While it might not seem necessary to speak to your child about college until they are a teen, the truth is, the conversation should begin as early as possible.
2. Discuss the importance of higher education and the opportunities it can offer
Teaching your child about why going to college is important and not just expecting them to go is important. Be transparent about the opportunities that a college education can provide, and the obstacles that they might encounter as an adult without a degree.
3. Explain different types of colleges and what to look for when making a decision
Having discussions with your child about their future goals both in and out of the classroom can help them to identify the type of program they should look into during their college career, and can make the process of narrowing down a few schools to apply to a little bit easier. It can be overwhelming for your child to make the decision about attending college, so these types of discussions can help.