I don’t know about you, but sometimes my teens say things like, “I want to be a doctor!” … followed ten minutes later by, “Or maybe a YouTuber. Or maybe both.”
Sound familiar?
Gallup recently found that about half of high school seniors are already thinking about their future careers (which is great!), but here’s the catch: most don’t actually know how to get from Point A (dreams) to Point B (a real plan).
That’s where we come in as moms. We can guide them—not by telling them exactly what to do—but by helping them see a clear path.
Here are some practical ways to do that.
1. Start with the End in Mind
Ask: “What kind of life do you want when you’re 25?”
Then do some backward planning together. Talk about what things actually cost (housing, cars, even groceries). Show how debt and wasted time are more limiting than “limiting beliefs.”
2. Hack College Time and Debt
Why spend 6 years (and potentially tens of thousands of dollars in debt) earning a degree if your student can finish high school and college at the same time? Dual enrollment and dual degree programs are huge game-changers.
Not sure where to start?
Check out True North Academy’s Dual Degree program, where students can earn both an accredited high school diploma and an accredited college degree- at the same time!
3. Build “Pivot-Worthy” Skills
Instead of obsessing over one “perfect career,” focus on skills that work everywhere:
- Communication– necessary for any job
- Creativity -in a high-tech world, personal creativity matters more than ever!
- Collaboration -living and working in a global, gig economy demands that we know how to work with others!
- Critical thinking – more important than ever before in this age of information and digital everything!
These are the things that help our kids stay flexible, no matter how the world changes.
4. Use Their Network (Even Weak Ties)
Help your teen reach out to adults in your circle—even a friend-of-a-friend counts. Research shows “weak ties” are often the ones that lead to internships or first jobs.
5. Clarify Values and Identity
Ask: “What matters most to you—faith, service, freedom, creativity?” Teens who connect career choices with their core values are more motivated and less likely to burn out.
6. Get Real-World Exposure
Encourage job shadowing, internships, or volunteer gigs. Even a few hours in a “real job” can be eye-opening.
7. Teach Money Early
Budgeting, saving, and opportunity cost—these basics will save your teen from years of stress later. Money clarity = life clarity.
8. Keep a “Brag Book”
Encourage your teen to maintain a portfolio of their best work, including essays, projects, certifications, and volunteer hours. This makes transcripts and applications easier and shows them how far they’ve come.
9. Let Them Practice Decision-Making
Give your teen choices (such as courses or activities) and discuss the “why” together. The small practice rounds build confidence for the big ones.
10. Encourage Resilience and Tech Comfort
Let’s face it—the world is changing fast. Kids who can bounce back from setbacks and feel confident using new tools (like AI or digital platforms) are going to thrive.
Ready to Clear the Fog?
Where Transcripts Fit In
Here’s the thing: dreams are great, but when it comes time to apply for college, scholarships, or even jobs, the transcript is the bridge between vision and reality.
That’s why I created two resources to help you tame the chaos:
- Transcript Template – the exact tool you need to track credits and show off your teen’s hard work with confidence.
- Taming the Transcript – a guide that walks you through credits, GPA, and how to build a transcript colleges (and future employers) respect.
These resources give you—and your teen—the clarity you’re craving. No more second-guessing. No more wondering if you’re “doing it right.”
Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.
- Your Teen Is Thinking About the Future… But Still Feels Lost - November 29, 2025
- The Gratitude Gap - November 17, 2025
- Teach Your Kids to Think Like Entrepreneurs (Because Nobody Else Will) - November 17, 2025
