How Can Parents Guide Their Teens in Career Planning for the Future?

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mother, offers practical advice for parents guiding middle and high schoolers in career planning. She discusses exploring options beyond college, including trade schools, and addresses the financial realities of education—covering costs, financial aid, scholarships, and FAFSA. Kristen highlights the impact of AI on future jobs and stresses the importance of aligning careers with personal values, not just income. She encourages open, supportive conversations and flexibility as teens explore different paths, equipping parents with strategies to help their children make informed, meaningful decisions about their futures.

What you’ll learn:

• Preparing middle and high school children for future careers
• Importance of early and ongoing conversations about career planning
• Exploring educational options: college vs. trade schools
• Financial realities of education costs and planning
• Understanding financial aid, including FAFSA, scholarships, and loans
• The role of trade schools and vocational programs as alternatives to four-year degrees
• Impact of AI and automation on the job market and career choices
• Aligning career paths with personal values and interests rather than just income
• Encouraging flexibility and openness in career exploration
• Strategies for parents to support their children's career planning and decision-making

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Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

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Transcript

0:33

Welcome to Mom Doc Talk with Dr. Kristen Cook, where real-life parenting meets medical expertise. I'm your host, a pediatrician with over a decade of experience, and just like you, a parent navigating the ups and downs of raising good human beings. With stories from my own experiences of mom, lessons in child development, and insights based on scientific evidence, I'm here to share practical strategies that work. Let's dive into this journey together and make parenting feel a little more peaceful and a lot more rewarding. Hi everyone, welcome back to Mom Doc Talk with Dr. Kristen Cook. I'm your host, a pediatrician, mom, and a woman who is months away from navigating the life of a teenager who is about to attend high school. Recently, I was asked to speak at Career Day at my son's school, which got me thinking, how do I help my kids prepare for the future? How do I guide them towards a career that they are passionate about? And let's be honest, I wish they could stay a little forever. I always want to be around them, to have them in our home, to guide them, and to watch over them. Yet that's not going to happen. At some point, my kids are going to leave the nest, and I need to give them every opportunity to fly. Today, I'm diving into a conversation every parent thinks about but doesn't always know how to navigate. How do I help my 8th grader or high schooler prepare for their future? I'm talking practical planning, understanding options like college and trade school, dealing with the realities of cost and the changing job landscape with AI, and most importantly, helping our kids pursue meaningful work, not just a paycheck. Let's start with this. Your teen is not too young to begin thinking about what comes after high school. I know it can feel early in 8th grade, but the teens of today grow up faster than we think. They need structure, encouragement, and realistic conversations. That doesn't mean pressure. It means guided preparation. It's important to start the conversations early. Ask questions like, what do you love doing? What feels meaningful to you? What kind of lifestyle do you imagine for yourself when you grow up? And be prepared for answers that might seem a little unrealistic, especially in the early teen years. I want to be a quarterback in the NFL. I want to be the next Taylor Swift. It's important to listen, to be supportive, but also gently provide access to other career options. When most of us hear preparing our kids for the future, college is the first thing that comes to mind. But college is not cheap. It's important to determine if the cost of a 4-year college will be worth it for your child. Here's what the numbers look like right now. In the public in-state 4-year colleges, the average tuition and fees are around$11,000 to $12,000 per year before room and board. Adding room and board, total costs are often closer to $30,000 a year. For private 4-year colleges, the average tuition and fees are about $38,000 to$45,000 a year, with total costs including housing, food, books and supplies, and other living expenses far exceeding that. I am a proud graduate of Marquette University. That is where I developed a love of medicine and where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. I was a member of the Marquette University course and I would never change my college experience. However, when you account for tuition and living expenses, the cost at 10 Marquette University is currently just over $63,000 per year. Without scholarships, a traditional 4-year college degree can cost well over$100,000, and even more at elite schools if financial aid isn't part of the equation. But here's a key nuance. Many colleges significantly reduce costs with scholarships and aid. Some private universities cut tuition in half or more based on need and merit. Marquette University in particular is wonderful about providing opportunities for scholarships. Money doesn't grow on trees, which is one reason it is so important to start the conversations about college early and by 11th grade at the latest. Make sure to make time to have discussions about affordability, scholarship timelines, and how to evaluate financial aid offers. Planning early can make college work financially. Let's talk money, not as something scary or taboo, but as one of the most practical parts of future planning. Many families worry that college or trade school is out of reach because of cost, but there are real financial aid resources that can make the education far more affordable. Every student interested in college or trade school funding should start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This single application determines eligibility for most federal and state financial aid programs. Now let's talk about the financial aid available for our kids. One option is a grant. A grant is free money you don't pay back. Examples include the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. These are based on financial need and can help lower the cost of tuition and fees. Another option are scholarships, also free money that usually doesn't need to be repaid. These can be based on academic merit, talent, leadership, athletics, community service, and personal backgrounds. There are thousands of scholarships beyond school-based awards, through nonprofits, community groups, and private organizations. In addition, you may want to consider work-study programs, which offer part-time work, often on-campus jobs that allow students to earn money while enrolled, helping cover books or living expenses. Finally, loans are borrowed money that must be repaid. Federal loans tend to be lower cost and more flexible than private loans. But borrowing only what you absolutely need is critical. Financial aid isn't just for traditional colleges and universities. Many trade schools also participate in federal aid programs, meaning students may qualify for Pell Grants, scholarships, and even work-study through the same FAFSA process, as long as the school and program meet federal eligibility requirements. There are also industry-specific scholarships and state workforce grants aimed at high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades, and even apprenticeships where students can earn while they learn. Here are some tips to maximize the financial aid your child may receive. Complete the FAFSA early. Many grants and scholarships have limited funds and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Research scholarships broadly. Encourage your teens to apply to local organizations, community groups, and national foundations in addition to what their school offers. Make sure to meet the deadlines promptly. State and institutional aid often have separate due dates. Missing these can cost thousands in lost opportunities. Yet not every valuable future requires a traditional four-year degree. Trade schools and vocational programs offer paths to well-paying careers that are often faster(Many Programs Take Six Months To Two Years) compared to four or more years for a college bachelor's degree. In addition, trade schools are more affordable programs, often running from$4,000 up to $15,000 total compared to the high cost of college. In addition, trade schools create people who are career-ready, and many students enter the workforce with no or minimal debt. Common trade careers include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, dental assistants, and more. All fields that typically show strong demand and stable earnings because these roles require hands-on human skill. And adults, this is a true shift. Gen Z in recent surveys is increasingly choosing these paths because they want meaningful work that's less likely to be outsourced or replaced, and often without those crushing student loans. Let's get real about the job market. Our kids will graduate into a world where technology, especially AI, is reshaping how we work. Some roles we take for granted may change or fade, while others we haven't even seen before. And even imagined yet will grow. Let's talk about careers at risk due to automation and AI. This includes roles that tend to involve repetitive, pattern-based tasks, like some data entry, basic customer service, routine factory work, or more susceptible to automation. That doesn't mean that these careers will disappear, but many will require reskilling. On the flip side, careers likely to grow or remain stable include jobs that depend on human qualities, empathy, creativity, complex judgment, nuanced communication, and hands-on skills. These are harder for AI to replace. These include healthcare professionals, skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and builders, creative professions such as designers, writers, and artists, and technical roles that leverage AI. Data science, machine learning engineering, and AI ethics roles. Research on AI's impact actually shows that the demand for AI complementary human skills, such as teamwork, digital literacy, and resilience, is increasing, even as some routine tasks decline. So the future we're preparing our kids for isn't binary. It's about what humans do best in partnership with technology. I hope this makes you realize that AI will not necessarily replace your child's future career. Let's move on and talk about money. Here's what I want to be clear and honest with you. Money is not the same thing as happiness. As a pediatrician and parent advocate, I've seen families chase careers for income alone and end up with burnout, anxiety, or regret. Career satisfaction isn't about dollar signs. It's about purpose, identity, community, and contribution. I spent four years studying in a medical school that cost me over $500,000. And as a pediatrician, I'm one of the lowest-earning physicians across all medical specialties. Don't get me wrong, I do well. But I lived below my means and worked my butt off to pay my 30-year loans in less than 15 years. My parents taught me financial literacy from a very young age, and I was fortunate to have someone help me with financial planning. As a result, I never regretted my decision to pursue a low-paying specialty as a physician. Yet this type of financial literacy is intentional and requires planning. Now let's get back to our kids. For teens, that means helping them to consider not just what pays, but what fits them. Do they enjoy solving problems? Do they like working with people? Or would they rather work alone? Do they feel energized by creativity or by service? These questions help align teens and their future with their values, not just a salary report. Talk openly with them about what matters most in life, how purpose can trump prestige, and how meaningful work often feels like part of their identity, not just a job you put up with. And it is so important to remember that the path to a career needs to be fluid. Young adults need space to change their minds. As a high school senior, I was convinced that I was going to be a pediatric physical therapist. At the time, I was accepted into a direct entry program as a high school senior that promised me a master's degree in physical therapy as long as I met minimal requirements determined by my college. And during my required service hours, I noticed my focus shift from physical therapy to medicine. My parents wanted me to fulfill my educational duties, earn my physical therapy degree, and then apply to medical school. But I had a different plan. I dropped out of physical therapy. My parents were horrified. Yet despite their concerns, everything worked out for the best. Which is why it is so important to support your kids. Their career choices may seem ridiculous. But if you criticize them, you will also ostracize them. Be supportive. And be there if your kids change their mind about their career. Parents, here's what you can do this week. Open the conversation with your student about future goals. Not with pressure, but curiosity. Explore options beyond college. Vocational programs, apprenticeships, certified technical paths. Discuss financial reality together. College costs, scholarships, trade school, and timelines. Talk about meaning and values, not just income. And these discussions are not a one and done deal. They require numerous conversations over time. And please make sure to schedule these discussions. Don't just decide out of the blue that a discussion is needed immediately without input from your child. Every child is unique. Every path is valid. And preparation paired with encouragement is the gift that helps them thrive, not just survive. Thank you for being here with me today, for loving your child well, and for doing the hard, but very worthwhile work of parenting the child you have. If you found value in today's episode, please consider subscribing, sharing it with another parent, and let's continue building peaceful, effective journeys together. Thanks for listening to Mom Doc Talk, where we explore the world of parenting with a little bit of science and a whole lot of heart. If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend. Don't forget to subscribe and review this episode as it helps me reach more parents like you. I'd love to connect on social media. You can find me at momdoctalk_kcmd