5 Steps to Help Your Teen Build a Post-High School Plan They’ll Love

As a parent, you want to see your teen succeed—but when it comes to helping them figure out what to do after high school, it’s easy to feel lost. Maybe you’re wondering:

• Should I push college even if they’re unsure?

• What if they have no idea what they want to do?

• How can I guide them without overwhelming them—or making it worse?

You’re not alone. Most of us didn’t grow up with a roadmap for these conversations, and times have changed. The good news? You can help your teen create a post-high school plan they’re excited about—with less stress and more clarity.

The key is a simple, five-step approach that gives you the tools to guide them—and gives them the autonomy to take ownership of their next steps.

Step 1: Start with a Conversation—Not a Lecture

This isn’t about having The Talk (you know, the “What are you going to do with your life?” conversation that shuts teens down fast). Instead, it’s about opening a door and inviting them in.

Try asking open-ended questions like:

• “What kind of life do you picture for yourself in five years?”

• “What are you curious about right now?”

• “If money wasn’t an issue, what would you love to do?”

Let it be a dialogue, not a directive. Even if they don’t have answers yet, this shows them you’re on their team—not pushing your own agenda.

Step 2: Listen with Curiosity

Once they start talking, resist the urge to fix, critique, or guide too quickly. Teens want to feel heard—not analyzed.

Try this instead:

• Repeat back what you hear. (“So it sounds like you’re drawn to working with animals…”)

• Ask follow-ups. (“What part of that sounds exciting to you?”)

• Don’t freak out if their ideas sound far-fetched—dreaming big is part of the process!

This kind of listening builds trust and helps your teen feel safe exploring their options without fear of judgment.

Step 3: Explore Career Paths that Align with Who They Are

This is where things get fun. Your teen’s passions, values, and natural strengths can offer incredible insight into potential career paths.

Encourage them to explore:

• What they love doing in their free time

• Causes or topics they care deeply about

• What people often come to them for help with

Free tools like My Next Move and CareerOneStop can help your teen discover careers aligned with their interests and strengths.

➡️ Pro Tip: Focus on career clusters, not job titles. Careers can evolve, but interests often stay consistent.

🧭Looking for more structured and self-paced support to help your teen explore career paths? Check out my World Changers Program! 

Step 4: Discuss All the Post-High School Options (Not Just College)

Once your teen has a general direction, it’s time to explore the how. That might mean college—but it might also mean something else entirely.

Here are some great paths to consider:

• College: Great for careers that require a degree, but not the only road to success.

• Community College: More affordable, flexible, and full of transfer or certification options.

• Trade Schools & Apprenticeships: Perfect for hands-on learners who want to work while they learn.

• The Military: Offers structure, benefits, and career training in a wide range of fields.

• Gap Year: Time to gain clarity, experience, or travel before making a long-term commitment.

What matters most is matching the path to your teen’s goals, not pushing one-size-fits-all solutions.

Step 5: Build a Flexible, Actionable Post-High School Plan

Now it’s time to connect the dots and build a post-high school plan they'll love together.

• What skills or experiences they need to pursue their chosen path

• Key deadlines (applications, program start dates, financial aid forms, etc.)

• Short-term goals that build toward long-term outcomes

And remind them: It’s okay to revise the plan. Career paths aren’t linear anymore. What matters is building momentum—and learning how to pivot as they grow.

What’s Next?

Helping your teen plan their future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need all the answers—you just need a process.

🎁 Start with my free download: 5 Essential Steps to Guide Your Teen’s Post-High School Journey  It’s a practical tool designed for parents like you who want to support their teen with confidence and clarity.

✨ Want deeper support? Consider signing up for my Blueprint Summer Cohort! I’m opening a small group coaching program this June designed specifically for rising juniors, seniors, and recent grads. In 6 weeks, your teen will walk away with a clear career development plan—and you’ll breathe easier knowing they’re not stuck. Sign up for my newsletter to ensure you get the sign-up details first! 

You’ve Got This

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to walk alongside your teen, ask questions, and stay open. With the right tools and mindset, you can help your teen step into adulthood with purpose and peace.

💬 Got a question about your teen’s situation? Let’s talk. Book a free “Pick My Brain” call and get personalized support.