Why Do I Have to Listen to You? Getting Your Young Adult to Listen When You Are the Last Thing They Want to Hear
by Hallie Crawford, MA, CPCC
You don’t like to see your recent grad floundering in the unknown between graduation and the ‘real world.’ However, your almost-but-not-quite-mature young adult doesn’t like to hear what you have to say when you weigh in on the subject either. In fact, it may be the last thing they want to hear!
So how can you help your high school or college graduate become the grown up they are on the verge of becoming, when he or she won’t listen to a thing you have to say?
First things first. Instead of diving head-first into a discussion about what they should or could be doing, ask if they would like your help. This builds trust and sets the tone for a more adult-to-adult discussion.
Then follow up on your offer of help by working with your young adult to:
- Make a plan. Talk to your son or daughter about long-term and short-term goals. Encourage them to find a job to earn money and experience, even if it isn’t a perfect situation. If financial assistance is needed, set up a timeframe for when it begins and ends and how it will be paid back.
- Identify their ideal job or hire someone who can. Work with your graduate on seeking out a career that really speaks to their interests and abilities, not just a job that will help them get by. And if you’re at a loss in this area, work with a career specialist that can help set them on the right path.
- Establish a network. Offer to piggyback off your own network by passing around your son or daughter’s resume to your business connections to help get them started on building contacts.
The bottom line is that by seeing your young adult as a budding professional, and treating them in that regard, your son or daughter will begin to understand that you are not just a nagging parent. Instead, they will begin to listen to what you have to say as a compassionate advocate for their well-being and long-term success.
Copyright 2008 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.
About the Author:
Help your college grad get on the right track!
Certified Career Coach Hallie Crawford specializes in helping recent college grads and boomerangs identify their ideal career path and make it happen. To schedule a and find out more about Hallie visit http://www.halliecrawford.com or contact her at 877-298-6444.
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