Finishing school means all sorts of doors will start to open for your child, but it’s not always easy to pick the right one to walk through. Your son or daughter (not to mention yourself) might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the possibilities, so here are a few ways the two of you can tackle things together.

Sit down with them and write some lists

Getting together with your soon-to-be school leaver and drawing up some bullet points is a great way to organise their options. Try sorting out their academic strengths and weaknesses (with a focus on the former), what they do and don’t enjoy doing, and how it might all marry up with any potential career choices they’re interested in. It’s a relaxed, laid-back way to get some thoughts down and give you some basic direction.

Arrange for them to have a chat with their school career advisor

Teenagers often have trouble speaking to their parents about serious stuff, and that isn’t anyone’s fault. It’s just the way things are. But when it comes to deciding on their plans for the future, they need to talk to someone. This is where their school’s career advisor should be ready to step in and help (it is their job, after all). Positive one-on-one sessions can give kids a much clearer idea of what their options are, so it’s well worth sorting one out.

Encourage them to attend open days

If university is on the cards, open days are very much a part of the process. It’s always fun to get out and see new places, and it’s entirely up to your child if they’d like to go alone or bring you along for the ride. It’ll give them a chance to explore the different uni environments and facilities and see what they think of them, with no pressure on them to make an immediate decision.

Explore the option of a gap year

Proper life experience isn’t always easy to come by in high school, so a gap year is a very appealing way to head out and get some. Travelling around Australia (or heading overseas and exploring another country) is an awesome way to see the real world, and it can really serve to put things in perspective when deciding on the next big move. Life isn’t a race, and it’s important to give kids plenty of time and space to decide on their futures.

Take the pressure off

Continuing on that note, you must keep in mind that this is a choice your child has to make for themselves. Your job is to be around for guidance, suggestions and encouragement – not to dictate or try to force them into anything they don’t want to do. They’re under enough pressure as it is, and they need to know that you’re ready to offer the right kind of support.

Best of luck with the future, and feel free to check out more top tips on parenting on the Yellow Pages blog.