Where do I Start to Figure Out My Student's Path #5 - Make it Fun!

Anne Johnson
Mar 13, 2024
3 min read

Feeling confused, overwhelmed, or lost when figuring out your student's educational path? Take a deep breath – you're not alone, and help is here! It's never too late to start, and I'm here to show you exactly where to begin. Today, we are continuing our series on where to start when figuring out your student's path after high school. We are taking a deep breath and focusing on Step 5 - Building in Rewards for Everyone and Making it Fun!

Planning for your student's path after high school doesn't have to be daunting or stressful. In fact, by infusing the process with fun and rewarding elements, you can turn it into an enjoyable journey for you and your student. In this week's installment of our blog series, we'll explore creative ways to make planning for your student's path after high school fun and rewarding for the entire family.

Jennie & Theo are having fun in the sprinkler!

Set Achievable Goals

Start by setting achievable goals for your student's post-high school journey. Whether exploring college options, considering alternative education pathways, or pursuing career interests, establish clear objectives your student can work towards. Celebrate each milestone they achieve along the way with rewards that motivate them to keep moving forward.

An example of an achievable goal could be creating your student's self-care plan that I referenced in the previous blog post (https://www.edpathcoach.com/post/where-do-i-start-to-figure-out-my-student-s-path-4-mental-health-supports-in-college) by the end of the month. Making the goal specific and time-bound is essential so everyone knows what to do and when. Then, when you or your student meets the goal, you celebrate your accomplishment. Chunking this process will make it much less overwhelming and give you time to pause and reflect on your achievements! This is not a sprint.

Make It a Collaborative Effort

Planning for your student's path after high school can be a collaborative effort involving the entire family. Host brainstorming sessions, discuss aspirations and concerns openly, and encourage your student to participate actively in decision-making. Involving everyone in the family creates a supportive environment where ideas can flourish, and goals can be achieved together. In the video below, my friend Gara - who has two adult children, now talks about how they made researching colleges a fun family activity.

Incorporate Enjoyable Activities

Infuse the planning process with enjoyable activities that make it more engaging and exciting for your student. Schedule college visits, attend career fairs or workshops, or participate in skill-building activities related to your student's interests. Incorporating enjoyable experiences into the planning process creates opportunities for exploration, discovery, and personal growth. It also makes the process more tangible and real for them. They see a dorm and imagine living there, or they talk with someone doing the career they are interested in.

Celebrate Progress and Achievements

As your student progresses in planning for their path after high school, take time to celebrate their accomplishments and milestones. Whether completing college applications, securing internships, or making decisions about their future, acknowledge their hard work and dedication with meaningful rewards and celebrations. Celebrating progress boosts your student's confidence and reinforces their commitment to achieving their goals.

Looking Ahead

Planning for your student's path after high school should be an exciting and rewarding experience for the entire family. Setting achievable goals, making it a collaborative effort, incorporating enjoyable activities, and celebrating progress can turn the planning process into a memorable journey filled with joy and anticipation. Remember, the key is to make planning for the future enjoyable, motivating, and meaningful for your student as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Come back next week. We'll do step 6 on where to start to find your student's path, and we will continue building resources, communities, and skills together. I look forward to your conversations with your students, teens, and young adults. Let's make this journey joyful and transformative for them!