For parents and caregivers
How do I help my teenager who doesn't know what they want to do?
Take the pressure off the big decision and help them take one small step instead. Teenagers find direction by trying things and noticing what they enjoy, not by choosing their whole future at 16.
Swap the big question
"What do you want to do after school?" can sound like "Decide the rest of your life right now." Try "What's something you'd like to give a go?" It's easier to answer and leads to action.
Help them run tiny experiments
- A conversation with someone who does a job they're curious about
- A short course, club, part-time job or volunteering
- Work experience in an area they've mentioned even once
Connect them with someone a few steps ahead
You probably know someone studying the course or doing the job they keep thinking about. An introduction from you is often the easiest way for a teenager to start that conversation.
Treat every path as valid
University, a trade, work, sport or a gap year. The book is clear that there is no single timeline, and your teenager will feel the difference when you believe it too.
Draws on Chapter 1, "You Are Not Behind", and Chapter 11, "You Make Your Own Path".
Quick answers
Should I be worried that my teen has no plan?
Not knowing is normal. Most people change direction more than once.
Is there something we can read together?
Yes. The free parent guide follows the book chapter by chapter.
Related questions
Why people trust Start Where You Are
- Written by Ash Manuel, a former PE teacher and founder of Growing With Gratitude, which has reached more than 1 million young people across 1,205 schools in 80 countries.
- Foreword by Dr Phil Cummins of the University of Sydney and the Sydney Character Initiative.
- Shaped by conversations with young people about what they actually wanted from a book like this.
- Published by Amba Press and featured on 9News Adelaide.