Parents and family members are an important part of a student’s career exploration process. Below are helpful questions to consider as you assist your student with his or her career choices.

• Am I allowing my student the freedom to have new experiences? 
• Do I encourage the exploration of new ideas, experiences, and occupations without
  being pushy? 
• Do I really listen to what my student tells me? 
• Am I willing to tolerate ideas and values which are different than my own? 
• Am I willing to discuss my own career development history? 
• Am I positive and supportive when my student makes poor decisions or fails? 
• Do I encourage my student to explore occupations of interest and refer him or her to
  appropriate resources? 
• Do I help my student objectively look at his or her strengths and weaknesses and
  suggest how they might relate to various careers? 
• Am I willing to refer my student to friends/acquaintances who might discuss their
  occupations with him or her? 
• Do I ask questions that will encourage my student to further his or her career
  information gathering process? 
• Do I compliment my student on his or her positive strengths and accomplishments?

With permission: Seattle Pacific University, CDC office, copyright 2007.