50 | March 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Interactions between family members are a powerful influence on future success. Interactions can include positive behaviours such as showing support and interest, communicating openly, or negative behaviours such as controlling. Parents and siblings can share stories about work and model work behaviours to serve as a context for understanding the realities of work. Going back to where we started out, connectedness facilitates risk taking and exploration, which are needed for identity formation, for a child to know themselves. Siblings can help or hinder this through support or competition/rivalry. Furthermore, understanding early family experiences and relationships can help adults identify and deal with barriers to their career progress. Supporting career development You need to be a proactive parent who helps your child learn to be autonomous and successful in shaping their own lives. Values about work should be transmitted along with opportunities for children to be involved in decision making and conflict resolution through effective communication skills. Of course, there are other influences to be considered such as gender, race, class decision making and the economy, poverty, lack of access to opportunities, which can help or hinder career development. However, close family connections and strong role models can break down some of these barriers. In short, secure, comfortable relationships are critical in helping students take the risks necessary in exploring new settings and roles. Career decision making is complex and there should be a shift where career workers, teachers and mentors should use narrative approaches to ensure the family system is fully utilised and work at helping individuals to become more proactive. As a parent, you should support learning strategies that promote career readiness, such as encouraging your child to do their best, providing opportunities to encourage confidence and use formal and informal contacts for exploration of occupational choices. Parenting
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