Future aspirations
Most schools have some sort of career counsellors or careers days available to the older teens. Make sure that your teen takes advantage of these opportunities. If your teen's school doesn't offer such opportunities, get in touch with the head and ask why not.

Many employers/institutions offer career days for youngsters to visit. Your local fire station, newspaper, or hospital are good candidates. Talk to your teen about what they might be interested in and then together explore what local opportunities there are. Wherever they can they should try and get a day's voluntary work experience.

Help your teen to draft a great curriculum vitae (CV). This should not only include their exam grades from school and personal strengths, but every odd job they've done (for example, babysitting) and any activity they've tried.

Unfortunately our youth are growing up in a society that emphasises such occupations like acting and television presenting. Try to keep their feet on the ground by encouraging them to get some real skills. There's nothing wrong with them pursuing their dreams but they should have a second string to their bow.

Sports, creativity and hobbies
As mentioned, during adolescence children often give up activities thinking they're silly or childish. It's important that you encourage any activity, as research shows that teens involved in interests and hobbies are less likely to have under-age sex or misuse drugs and alcohol. And in terms of their general well-being and future, continuing with an activity outside school will benefit them in many ways.

If your teen is sensitive to peer pressure they may agree to get involved in an activity but won't want their friends to know. It's important you respect and accept such feelings.

Getting involved in sports, hobbies or creative activities outside the home teaches your teen self-reliance and resilience as well as giving enjoyment. However if as a starting point your child agrees to do some activity at home, then this is important to encourage too.

Accept they may start an activity and then want to give it up. If gentle encouragement doesn't change their mind it's absolutely fine to suggest they try something else.

Some useful contacts
After School Activities and Groups - www.local.co.uk and search 'After School'
Theatre Arts - for up to and including 16 year olds - www.stagecoach.co.uk
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme - www.theaward.org
For general advice - www.parentlineplus.co.uk

Dr Pam Spurr is the Saturday evening presenter on LBC 97.3 - ring her on 0870-90-90-973 7-10 pm. She's the author of SEX, GUYS & CHOCOLATE - Your Essential Guide to Lust, Love and Life (Robson £7.99). A life coaching guide for all women 16-56.

More from Dr Pam Spurr:
Teens in the home
What are your teens getting up to?

ivillage uk

Broadening your teen's horizons