My Kid Won’t Talk About Careers or College

If your teen keeps putting off...

• Picking a college

• Choosing a major

• Signing up for the SAT or ACT

• Or even thinking about life after high school...

You’re not alone. And more importantly, neither are they.

Here’s the real deal:
That hesitation? The procrastination? The “I don’t know” and blank stares?

It’s not laziness.
It’s not rebellion.
It’s fear.

And honestly, that fear makes perfect sense. These are massive decisions and for most teens, it’s the first time they’ve been expected to make choices that feel permanent.

The good news?
You don’t have to fix it for them. You just need to help them take one small, confident step forward.

Why Teens Freeze When It’s Time to Plan

Most teens aren’t wired to dive headfirst into long-term planning, especially when the pressure feels sky-high.

So when college and career conversations start creeping in, here’s what many of them do:

• Shut down emotionally

• Avoid the topic altogether

• Distract themselves with anything else (cue the YouTube binge or TikTok scroll)

This isn’t defiance, it’s a stress response.
And if we’re being honest? Adults do it, too.

The stakes feel high. The unknowns are everywhere. And no one wants to be the one who “gets it wrong.”

Want to Break the Ice? Go First.

Before you hand them a to-do list or start listing deadlines, try something unexpected:

Show them that even adults get stuck.

Start a real conversation with this:

“You know what? I’ve been putting off ______________. And I think it’s because I’m nervous about it. What would you do?”

Some examples:

• “I’ve been avoiding a health decision because I’m overwhelmed.”

• “I haven’t asked for a raise, even though I think I should.”

• “I’ve been procrastinating on a project because it feels too big to start.”

Now here’s the twist: Let your teen coach you.
Then flip the script.

“Is there anything you’ve been avoiding because it feels big or scary?”

Boom…now you’re in.
That vulnerability opens the door to honest conversation, without making them feel like they’re being grilled.

Help Your Teen Name the Fear

Once your teen names what’s holding them back, it immediately becomes less intimidating.

They might say:

• “I’m scared of picking the wrong major.”

• “I don’t want to disappoint you.”

• “I feel like everyone else already has their life figured out.”

Let them say it. Let it sit. Don’t rush to fix it.

Then ask one simple follow-up:

“What’s one small step you could take this week?”

Not “what’s your five-year plan” or “what are all your options” just one action that gets them moving forward.

Even tiny progress is still progress.

The #1 Line Parents of Teens Need in Their Back Pocket

If your teen is stuck, overwhelmed, or flat-out avoiding the whole topic, don’t lecture. Don’t push.

Say this instead:

“How can I support you?”

That one line puts your teen back in control while letting them know they’re not in it alone.

It says:
“I believe in you. You don’t have to do this all by yourself. And I’m here to help in a way that works for you.”

Which, let’s be real, is half the battle with teenagers.

Why Taking Action Matters, even if it’s Small

Here’s what this is really about:

It’s not just about college applications.
It’s not just about career choices.
It’s about teaching your teen how to take action in the face of fear.

That skill? They’ll use it for the rest of their life.

Because life will throw curveballs, uncertainty is part of the deal. The sooner your teen learns how to move forward anyway, the more confident and resilient they’ll become.

So, whether they’re avoiding a test date or unsure about their next step, don’t panic.
Help them move one step closer to clarity.

Want Tools to Help Your Teen Move Forward with Confidence?

You don’t have to do this on your own. And your teen doesn’t, either.

We created a free email series just for parents of high school students.
You’ll get:

• Real talk about how teens think and what motivates them

• Conversation starters that actually work

• Tools to help your teen discover their strengths

• Career planning resources beyond “pick a college and hope for the best”

• Confidence-boosting steps for you and your teen

This isn’t surface-level fluff. It’s real, practical support for one of the biggest transitions in your teen’s life.

You’ll feel more prepared and they’ll feel more supported.

Your Teen Isn’t Behind. They’re Just at the Starting Line.

It’s okay if they don’t know what comes next.
It’s okay if you’re not sure how to help.

What matters most is this:
You’re showing up. You’re asking the right questions.
And you’re creating a space where your teen can take action even when it feels hard.

That’s how confidence is built.
That’s how futures are shaped.
And that’s where we come in.

Let’s help your teen stop freezing and start building the life they actually want.

Learn more about what you DO need to know right here

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