Choosing school subjects

Talking through their choices

There is a lot of pressure to achieve academically and sometimes the dreams we have for our children do not match what they want. Parents sometimes tell us that they are frustrated by their children's lack of motivation: their unwillingness to knuckle down. Parents tell us how anxious they can become when trying to persuade their children that they just want the best possible future for them. But children can achieve good rewarding careers through a number of routes. 

Sometimes your child may not choose the route you think is best but is it worth talking to them about all the options. Remember, your child might feel they are being 'nagged' so just let them know that you just want the best for them. If you show them you have looked into a few options they may be more willing to listen. You may also want to think about letting them get on with it - perhaps they need to try a few different things before they decide which route to take. Some young people get a job for a while to get a taste of the world of work and then go back to study. Sometimes exploring a few options helps them work out what they really want. 

Our top tips

• Encourage your teen to talk to you about their subject choices and career path. They could also talk with the rest of the family, friends and neighbours to get their views
• Ask your teen to talk to their teachers - particularly those who teach the subjects they are interested in. They can then get a feel for what the course content will be for their chosen subjects
• Explore their career choices by arranging work experience in that specific field to help them make an informed choice
• Ensure your child is making the most of the careers room at school, alongside other school resources, online, and local library.
• Although you want your children to look to the future and choose subjects that will help them towards a career they are interested in, they should also consider what they really enjoy and are passionate about. They are far more likely to succeed in these subjects than in those they feel they 'must' study
• It is never too early to start thinking of Higher Education. Start with your child’s particular interests and investigate the courses available in those subjects. The UCAS website is a good place to start for the information about the process of applying to university and there is a helpful section for parents

Other organisations that can help

Take this career quiz from UCAS to discover ideal career paths

The National Careers Advice from GOV.UK has some helpful articles and advice