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CAREGIVER #1: I didn’t know how to start…
CAREGIVER #2: …but I knew I needed to say something…
CAREGIVER #3: …we needed to have the talk.
CAREGIVER #2: The talk.
CAREGIVER #6: The college talk.
CAREGIVER #3: I helped him explore options for a degree that used his skills.
CAREGIVER #5: I encouraged my son to go to college and have a proud future.
CAREGIVER #1: It was hard because I never went to college…
CAREGIVER #2: I didn’t even have a high school diploma…
CAREGIVER #4: But the first step I took was listening.
CAREGIVER #3: Just by having those talks with my son put a fire in him to go to college.
CAREGIVER #2: She researched different colleges all on her own after we talked.
CAREGIVER #4: Even though I didn’t know what to say about college…
CAREGIVER #6: …I’m glad I said something.
NARRATOR: Whether your child is still in middle school or has already finished high school,
it’s never too soon or too late to talk to them about how college can help them
fulfill their potential.
Planning to go to college can seem overwhelming to your child, but you can help them. Encourage
them to explore their options and talk to them about the
information they need to make a good decision. Help them find local people or resources to
help. You could help them check schools on the internet, talk to a teacher for their
advice, or visit the local college to ask questions.
It may seem hard to talk to your child about this if you never went to college or even
got your high school diploma, but you need to have the conversation.
Start by talking about your own values and beliefs. If you really believe in something,
your child will be more willing to listen. A lot of parents look back at the choices
they’ve made, and hope their children have a different life. If you share how you feel,
it could motivate them, too.
One simple way to support your child is to listen to them. Hear what their dreams are,
what interests them, and if they have an idea of what kind of job they’d like someday.
Encourage them to look at how college could help make it happen. Find out what classes
they like, and talk to them about how those things can help them find their
best path in life.