What should parents do when their teen has no idea what they want to do after high school? In this episode, Shellee Howard is joined by Dr. Susan Belangee, licensed professional counselor and assessment specialist, and educator and parent coach Yogi Patel to discuss one of the biggest challenges families face: helping students find direction before making major college and career decisions. Together, they explore why self-awareness is the foundation of successful college planning, how personality and strengths influence career fit, and what parents can do to support their teens without taking over the process. The conversation also covers career exploration, job shadowing, gap years, independence, resilience, and why students don't need to have everything figured out; they just need a path forward. If your teen is struggling to choose a major, career, or college direction, this episode offers practical guidance to help your family move forward with greater confidence.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why self-awareness should come before choosing a major
• How parents can guide without controlling
• The role strengths and interests play in career fit
• Why job shadowing and real-world exposure matter
• How to help a teen who says, "I don't know what I want to do"
• The importance of independence, resilience, and confidence-building