Should my little sister pick her own school? 10 points for the best advice. Thank you?

Question

My little sister is 15 years old. She wants to go to technical school instead of highschool. On the other hand, my parents want her to go to high school and college.

Today my father asked me to talk and convince my little sister to go to high school and college. I feel weird, but somehow I did. I believe she need college education to get a good job.

Are we doing the right thing? Should we allow a 15-years old pick her own paths?

Thank you

Answer 1

You need to let teens pick their own path, but you also have to be sure they really understand the options. (And if they tell you 'I know' for the tenth time, it can really make discussing it difficult.)

The big question: Why does she want to go to technical school? If she struggles with her classwork but seems smart when you see her doing chores, working on hobbies, and so on, it is possible that book learning isn't for her. (My guess is that she has a friend going to the school and wants to go too--keep her in high school.)

The advantage high school has over tech school is freedom and flexibility. The diploma shows that you know enough and can work hard enough to finish, but doesn't prepare you for working. It gives you a base of knowledge to use to learn whatever career you'll go into, but when you finish high school, you are still unskilled labor.

The advantage to trade school is that it does prepare you for a job. The disadvantage is that it only prepares you for a job. If you start working in that field and have no diploma, you are locked in. You won't find a skilled job in another field, so you'd have to go back to trade school or get an unskilled job if you decide that what you studied in school isn't what you want to do with your life. A college diploma doesn't straightjacket you as much--it would help you in a variety of jobs, even ones outside your major.

Trade school is good for some people, though I think most people would be best served by finishing high school first and then going to trade school rather than college--especially if they think they are the type that won't finish college.

Now if she's really smart and the technical school was for advanced computer science, I'd say she should definitely finish high school and then go to trade school. She can start trade school classes while she is still in high school to get a head start. But college degrees in programming/networking/etc. aren't better than trade school degrees. Often computer consultants find certifications (tests they take on specific topics) more important than a degree. With how fast computer science changes, a guy who gets a masters degree without going to work will find that information he learned freshman year is already outdated. The traditional educational paths may not be best for that particular field.

Answer 2

Yes, depending on how mature she is and is she doing this based on what her friends are doing.
My husband and I let our 14 year old son make the decision to attend an all boys Catholic boarding school or public school. Granted he's would only be an hour away but he would have to stay there during the week and closed weekends. He thought about it for a couple of months and wrote a pro/con list and when it came for the decision he chose the boarding school. He loves it and is very happy. He has to make decisions on his own and he's become a more out going person.

Answer 3

I have a 15 yr. old son. I would not let him make the choice. While they are mature enough to make many of their own decisions, this one is too big and effects their future too much. I remember being 15 and thinking that adults didn't understand and I thought I knew what was best for me and my future. As it turns out, I wish that my parents had made more decisions for me. A 15 yr. old knows what they want right now but doesn't know how it will effect their futures. They may think they know but they have not had enough life experiences to truly know. I don't agree that your parents put you in the middle of this though. They have to put their foot down and decide whether they feel that the decision they choose is the best one or allow her to make her own choice. You shouldn't be involved. Although you are intitled to your opinion and expressing it to your little sister but your parents should not be asking you to be on their side and convince your sister of their ways.

Answer 4

Why can't she do both? I did both when I was in high school. I had morning tech school and afternoon high school, same education and I learned a trade as well which looks good on a resume. Is there anyway she can do both??? Try to get yoru parents to compromise a little so she won't be misreable throughout her high school exprience b/c she would rather be somewhere else.

Answer 5

No way she is way to young. I have a 15yr old and there is no way I would let him decide what school to go to. She is at that age that they think they know everything (we all were there). But they don't. That is why were here to help them along there way. I think she needs to finish high school then decide from there. Now that said. The high school my son goes to gives you the option of taking a class at the tech. school. They get a credit for high school and helps them if they decide to go to the tech school later. I don't know how it is where you live but maybe that could be a option. Kinda a compromise

Answer 6

Check it:Ask yourself Is there a reason why she wants to go to techical school?if there is lopok at it like this she can go to her school part time and to the high school partime[giving the option of seeing both worlds.Now it could be that she is really smart and that all she need is just some things pulled from high school,so..why not let her get that trade she needs from tech school,its not like its gonna hurt or hinder her.We need to support our young people in there decisions,at the same time while not to go over board and monitoring them.You can get a GOOD JOB as well goin to tech school,don`t ever think that you can`t. open your mind and hear her reasons for why she wants to go to this school. Let me know whats up.

Answer 7

Yes. If she is unhappy in a strict academic environment she will resent anyone who tries to keep her there. Let's face it not everyone needs to go to college. If she learns a trade that she is happy doing then she'll be fine. Even if she finds out that tech school is not what she wants she can always transfer back to the academic high school or go on to college from the tech school. Help her find her own way.

Answer 8

no. she is too young. i think you are only old enough to make real decisions when you are old enough to vote. you should put her through normal high school, and if she still wants to go to technical school, let her go to a technical college of some sort, like ITT Tech.

Answer 9

let her do what she wants... when kids do what their parents want them to do, they can end up totally unhappy and LOSE THEIR IDENTITY!!!

your sister may go on to college from technical school, you never know... she has a brain, and i'm sure she will use it to think about the next step in her life, after tech school.

no you're not doing the right thing... talking to her ONCE about her options is ok... she heard you guys the first time. harping on her is going to cause resentment and problems.

it's her life, not your parents'

Answer 10

its her education and its HER future, not her parents, i think she has a right to choose what kind of school she wants to go to, if the parents just picks what THEY feel is best for her, it may leave her behind in what shes trying to look forward to. i wouldnt decide for her.