Tips for parents of elementary students
Below you will find suggestions for how you can be involved in your child’s career development at this age level. For additional detail, more suggestions, information, and activities, explore other sections of this Web site.
Pre-kindergarten through third grade
Common characteristics you might observe in your child:
- Needs and seeks attention and praise
- Has boundless energy
- Considers fantasy as reality
- Shows a variety of tension-releasing behaviors
Career-related development you can support:
- Distinguish between work and play
- Identify different types of work
- Experience different types of work activities
- Describe how decisions are made
- Demonstrate a positive attitude
- Identify personal feelings
Other ways you can help:
- Listen and encourage.
- Encourage involvement in a variety of sports/hobbies.
- Positively reinforce child for completing chores.
- Praise efforts toward work as well as accomplishments.
- Show an interest and stress importance of school.
- Give toys that promote role playing.
- Make decisions with - not for - your child.
Fourth through sixth grade
Common characteristics you might observe in your child:
- Is more independent
- Feels that belonging to a group and friend are important
- Can assume more responsibility
- Has a surprising scope of interests
- Can think on own but is influenced by others
Career-related development you can support:
- Identify personal interests, abilities, strengths and weaknesses
- Describe how work at home and/or school relates to jobs in the community
- Describe how work is important and attainable to all people
- Describe how personal beliefs and values affect decision making
Other ways you can help:
- Encourage good work habits at home. Gradually add responsibilities. Effort and experience are more important than quality.
- Don't assign jobs at home based on sex to avoid stereotyping.
- Show various workers in your community.
- Participate in the school's career education program.
- Listen as your child makes decisions. Keep peer pressure in mind.
Adapted from the American School Counselor
Association’s
article, "Building Your Child's Future Together," at http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?contentid=226