Podcasts · Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
When School Isn’t Working, Find a Better Path [a Listener Q&A]
· 17 min · Episode 1718
Episode When School Isn’t Working, Find a Better Path [a Listener Q&A]
What do you do when your 17-year-old refuses to go to school, skips classes and has no idea what he wants to do instead?
Justin and Kylie tackle a tricky question from a parent whose son is struggling with Year 11. They explore vocational schools, apprenticeships, TAFE, distance education and the idea that education doesn’t have to mean sitting in a classroom until Year 12. The goal is to help young people keep learning, contributing and moving forward without forcing them into a path that clearly isn’t working.
KEY POINTS:
• Why school isn’t the only way to get an education • Vocational schools and hands-on learning • School-based apprenticeships and TAFE • Why “earning or learning” is a useful family expectation • Helping teenagers build character, reliability and practical skills • Why a 17-year-old doesn’t need their whole future figured out • Finding purpose through contribution and solving real problems
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “You need to be either full-time earning or full-time learning.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
• Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Justin Coulson • The Industry School • School-based apprenticeships • TAFE and vocational education • Lift the Load 50 for 50 fundraiser for Top Blokes
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
• Talk to your child’s school about alternative pathways. • Look beyond university and traditional Year 12 pathways. • Explore apprenticeships, TAFE, vocational schools and practical training. • Help your teenager find something that builds skills and a sense of contribution. • Take the pressure off having their entire future figured out at 17. • Focus on reliability, communication, initiative and integrity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Links in the notes 3
Transcript
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