How to Help My Child Choose a Career Path: Parent Support & Insights
At inyourroots®, we know parents play a huge role in helping young people explore their career options and make big decisions. This page is designed to give you the support, information, and confidence you need to help your child choose a career path that’s right for them. Whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, or something totally different.
What You’ll Find Here
- Honest insights into what parents really think about youth careers today
- Clear explanations of all the pathways young people can take after school
- Tips for having supportive, pressure-free career conversations
- Local labour market maps and data
- Video explainers to answer your top questions
- Templates and tools to make communication with schools and employers easier
The Latest Parent Support Topics
“I Just Want Them to Succeed”: What Parents Think About Youth Careers Today
Hear from real parents about their hopes, worries, and what support they wish they’d had.
Not Just University: Explaining the 5 Pathways Young People Can Take After School
Discover all the options open to your child, from university and apprenticeships to work, gap years, and more.
How to Talk About Careers Without Pressure
Practical tips for open, honest, and supportive conversations that help your child feel confident in their choices.
Local Labour Market Map
See which industries and jobs are growing in your area, so you can give real-world advice based on local opportunities.
Video Explainers
Short, easy-to-understand videos answering common parent questions about careers, skills, and the job market.
Parent Letter Templates
Download ready-made templates for contacting schools, employers, or other families about career support and opportunities.
Why Parent Support Matters
When parents feel informed and supported, young people are more likely to explore their options, feel confident about their choices, and find a path that fits them – not just what’s expected.
All parent support research is focused on Hertfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk, but we share national trends and real-life stories from across the UK.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
New Here? You’re Not Alone.
Got a question? We’ve got you. Here are some quick answers to what people ask us most. If you can’t find what you need, just reach out. We’re here to help!
How can I help my child choose a career path if I’m not sure what jobs are out there?
Our local labour market map and video explainers make it easy to get up to speed on what’s available in your area and beyond.
What if my child doesn’t want to go to university?
There are more options than ever—apprenticeships, work, gap years, and new types of training. Our guides break them all down so you and your child can explore together.
How do I talk about careers without putting too much pressure on my child?
We’ve put together practical tips and real parent stories to help you have open, supportive conversations—no pressure, just possibilities.