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Show Notes

In the ever-evolving landscape of education and career development, one group of young individuals is redefining the conventional route to success – homeschooled teenagers.  With flexible schedules and the freedom to tailor their education to their unique interests and passions, these teens are making a big impact! These kids aren’t tied to a classroom all day allowing them to get school done in a fraction of the time with plenty of extra time in their day. They are gaining real world experiences with part time jobs, internships, and even embarking on entrepreneurial ventures.

In today’s episode we’re going to be talking about helping your teen navigate the path to success. We’re going to be talking about the valuable lessons and challenges they face as their education intersects the adult world of jobs, business, money, and other exciting opportunities.  Whether you’re a homeschooling parent seeking guidance on how to support your teen’s aspirations, a homeschooled student eager to embark on your own journey, or simply curious about the dynamic world of young entrepreneurship and career development, hopefully this episode will help get you started.

What is an internship and how can students begin to look for one? (4:40)

An internship is a period of work experience offered to a student, apprentice, or trainee to gain work experience or satisfy a certain requirement. Internships are generally fully monitored learning experiences and may be paid or unpaid. Participating in an internship isn’t a new concept. Although we don’t hear about them as often, they are still considered a powerful addition to a high schooler’s transcript and their toolbelt of life skills.

There are several reasons your teen may want to seek out an internship:

Exploration: Internships are designed to offer hands-on training and real-world insights, so they enable teens to explore different career paths within their field of interest. It’s a chance to gain exposure to various roles and responsibilities and help them clarify their career goals.

Learning and Skill Development: Interns have the opportunity to acquire and develop practical skills, knowledge, and competencies related to their chosen field. This hands-on experience can complement their academic education. 

Networking: Internships help build professional networks by connecting teens with experienced professionals in their field. Building these relationships can be valuable for future job opportunities. For some, internships serve as a steppingstone to full-time employment with the same organization. Many companies use internships as a recruitment tool to identify potential future employees.

We have several friends who have already had ready jobs out of college or right after high school graduation through companies they interned with.

Resume Building: Internships provide a valuable addition to a resume. Employers often look for relevant internship experience when hiring, as it demonstrates a candidate’s practical understanding of the work they’ll be doing.

Transition to Full-Time Employment: Internships can vary widely in terms of duration, compensation (some are paid, while others are unpaid or offer stipends), and the level of responsibility given to interns. They can take place in various settings, including corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and more. Additionally, internships can be part-time or full-time, and they may be available during the summer or throughout the academic year.

Overall, internships can be a great opportunity for teens to gain practical experience, test the waters in that field, and prepare for future career success. Finding an internship as a high school student can give valuable experience that can help them gain real-world skills and explore potential career paths.

How Do You Find Internships?

First, have your high schooler identify their interests, skills, and career goals. What fields or industries are they interested in? What skills do they want to develop? Knowing this will help narrow down internship opportunities.

Network! Encourage your teen to talk to friends and family members (or friends and colleagues of family members) who might know of internship opportunities. If you outsource any classes, have them talk to those teachers. Sometimes, personal connections can lead to great opportunities.  They can also reach out directly to local companies, non-profits, or government agencies to inquire about internship opportunities. They can send emails, make phone calls, or visit in person. 

Many websites list internship opportunities for high school students. Some popular platforms include:

• www.Internships.com
• www.Indeed.com
• www.LinkedIn.com: Your child can create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals and search for internships.

Teach them how to create and keep the résumé updated. We talked about that extensively in our high school documents episode.

Depending on their field of interest, joining relevant professional organizations or clubs might provide some networking opportunities and internship leads.

In this high school series, we created an episode and post about extracurricular and volunteering. If they are taking these opportunities with organizations related to their interests, those can be potential steppingstones to finding an internship. It allows them to build connections and gain relevant experience. Get your FREE Extracurricular Workbook.

Due to the rise of remote work, some companies offer virtual internships that can be done from home. This can expand the range of opportunities available to high school students. Non-profit organizations and local governments often have internship programs for students interested in community service or public administration. Sometimes, local colleges or universities offer internship programs for high schoolers. Your teen can check to see if those kinds of programs exist in your area. 

Like we mentioned, you’ll want to help your high schooler create a professional resume and cover letter that highlights their skills, interests, and any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. They can submit these when applying for internships. If they secure an interview, help them prepare by practicing common interview questions and conducting mock interviews. Confidence and good interview skills can really make a difference.

Finding an internship can be competitive, so encourage your child to keep applying and networking, even if they face rejection. Each application and interview can provide valuable experience. Remember that internships for high schoolers may be unpaid or offer minimal compensation, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. It’s often an extension to their education so even if they don’t get pay, the experience can make all the difference. It’s also important to ensure that the internship is safe and appropriate for your child’s age and maturity level. Always verify the legitimacy of the organizations offering internships and prioritize safety and ethical considerations.

How do you support your teenager in a new job? (13:24)

Starting a first job and earning money is an important milestone for a teenager. It’s an opportunity to learn valuable life skills and develop financial responsibility.  It might also be a way for them to socialize and gain experience in something that they are interested in. 

Where do your teens even find jobs?  A lot of teenagers start in restaurants, or doing things like babysitting, and pet sitting.  They can give music lessons, or swimming lessons, and be a lifeguard.  The possibilities are endless. 

Key things that are important for a teen who has just started their first job:

Budgeting: Help your teen create a budget to manage their income. Teach them to allocate money for essential expenses (e.g., transportation and savings) and fun money (e.g., entertainment, hobbies). Teach them the importance of living within their means and staying out of debt. 

Teen Finance Book Recommendations:

Savings: Encourage them to save a portion of their earnings regularly. Opening a savings account can help them separate their savings from their spending money. Our bank allowed for my kids to open savings accounts at 10 years old and we took advantage of that program. They offered a lot of incentives for younger kids to learn about money. They even had a really great website with games to teach about financial literacy. You want them to learn the concept of short and long-term savings goals. Encourage them to set financial goals. These could include saving for college, a car, or a special purchase they’ve had their eye on. Setting goals can motivate them to save and manage their money wisely.

Financial Education: Teach your teenager about basic financial concepts such as interest, taxes, and inflation. This will help them make informed financial decisions in the future. Depending on their income and the tax laws in your area, they may need to file a tax return. Help them understand their tax obligations and teach them how to file. Look at their pay stub with them and teach them what all the numbers mean, including deductions for taxes and any other withholdings. They will also need to know what things to fill out on their new hire documents.

Responsible Spending: Discuss responsible spending habits. Teach your teenager to differentiate between needs and wants. Encourage them to make thoughtful spending decisions rather than impulsive purchases. Emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary debt. If you can’t afford it today, don’t buy it. Teach them about the risks of credit cards and loans and the impact of high-interest debt on their finances.

You may also want to have that college discussion now and talk about what you intend to cover and/or if you will expect your teen to front some of these costs. If your teenager plans to attend college, explore options for saving for tuition and other expenses. Discuss financial aid, scholarships, and the potential need for student loans.

Work Ethic: Remind your teen about the importance of a strong work ethic. Really, this is stuff you’ve been teaching them all along. Punctuality, responsibility, and a positive attitude are essential skills for work, and in life. At work, showing these qualities can lead to future job opportunities and promotions. Balancing work, school, and extracurricular activities can be challenging. Help them develop effective time management skills and check in with them to ensure they don’t become overwhelmed.

Use their first job as an opportunity to explore potential career interests. Discuss their experiences, what they like, and what they don’t like about their job. This can help them make more informed career choices in the future. I think there are certain jobs everyone should work at least once, if for no other reason than to have an appreciation for the people who do these jobs every day, and to learn what you don’t like!  You should definitely do your turn in food service and customer service.

Giving your support and having open communication are crucial during this time. Encourage your teenager to ask questions and seek help when needed. Sometimes teenagers think they know everything, but they’ve never done this before, they’re going to need guidance. By helping them develop good financial habits and life skills early on, you’re setting them up for a more secure and responsible financial future.

What is Entrepreneurship and how can I encourage my teen along this pathway? (23:08)

Entrepreneurship refers to the process of creating, developing, organizing, and managing a business or startup venture with the aim of achieving financial profit, social impact, or both. Entrepreneurs are individuals who take on the risks and responsibilities of starting and operating a new business or introducing innovative solutions to existing problems or markets. Exploring business opportunities as a teenager can be an exciting and valuable experience. 

Homeschooling is a natural way to develop and encourage teen entrepreneurs, find business opportunities and learn to develop business skills. Statistically more homeschooled children go on to develop their own businesses than public schooled kids. This is because most have learned from a very young age to be independent thinkers and learners. If they have an idea, they have time and the ability to find the resources they need to answer the questions and pursue their goal.

There are so many ways that teens can get started. Encourage them to think about what they are passionate about. Entrepreneurship often starts with an idea or a problem that needs solving. What are they genuinely interested in or concerned about? This could be a hobby, a social issue, or a personal interest.  Understanding the fundamentals of business is essential. Your teenager can start by reading books (we will have our complete list of titles in our show notes), taking online courses, or enrolling in dual credit classes related to business and entrepreneurship.

Many organizations and local business associations offer workshops and seminars for young entrepreneurs. These events provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Networking can also lead to opportunities. You might also think about finding a mentor who has experience in entrepreneurship can be incredibly beneficial. A mentor can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide valuable connections.

Encourage your teen to begin with a small venture or project. This could be a neighborhood lawn care service, teaching piano to younger students, selling handmade crocheted stuffed animals on Etsy, or a tutoring service. Starting small allows them to learn without taking on too much risk. Use the list we created to help them brainstorm and refine a business idea. It should solve a problem or meet a need in the market. They can conduct market research to understand their target audience and competition. And then you can use our teen startup packet to teach them how to create a basic business plan that outlines their goals, target market, marketing strategy, budget, and revenue projections. While it doesn’t need to be overly complex, having a plan helps them stay organized.

If their business involves a product, encourage them to create a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This allows them to test their idea and gather feedback from potential customers. A friend of ours used to crochet those cute stuffed animals and sold them to other homeschool teens at Park Days, and eventually started to sell them at a farmer’s market that led to an Etsy shop. She’s so talented and she works fast, but she couldn’t keep up with demand!

Establishing an online presence through social media is crucial for most businesses today. Teach them how to create a professional online presence and use social media for marketing. They can also create their own free website. Teach them how to do that. There are so many great free tutorials on YouTube. Take advantage of them! The business world is constantly evolving. Encourage your teenager to stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and changing consumer preferences. 

Depending on the nature of their venture, your teenager may need some initial funding. They can use their savings, ask for a small loan from family members, or explore crowdfunding platforms for fundraising. Make sure they understand any legal requirements for operating a business in your area, such as permits, licenses, and tax obligations. Entrepreneurship involves taking risks, and not every venture will succeed. Teach them that failure is a part of the learning process, and it’s important to analyze what went wrong and apply those lessons to future endeavors. “Failure is success in progress.” – Albert Einstein

While your kids are exploring entrepreneurship, work and internships, it’s crucial for them to continue their education. A solid educational foundation can complement their working journey. It’s all about having a growth mindset. Remember to provide guidance and support throughout the process. All of these things can be extremely rewarding, but they can also be challenging. Our job as homeschoolers is to guide our children not only through curriculum, but to help them develop valuable skills and gain real-world experiences.

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Show Notes

In a world driven by technology and academic excellence, it’s so very easy to overlook the significance of art and music education for our children. So often we are hyper focused on the three R’s- we want our kids to be strong readers, we want them to excel in math, we want to make sure we are hitting the STEM subjects so they can get into a great college or career. It is a sad reality that “Fine Arts” is one of the first subjects to get dropped whenever our homeschool schedules get out of whack. We might also be balancing multiple students or bogged down with outside classes and extracurriculars and it’s easy to just push art and music to the back burner. Or maybe you are not artsy, or your kid is not, and you wonder if this even matters.

But it does matter! And it’s so much fun!  No matter what style of homeschool you use, art and music can be woven into your year. The study of great works of art, the listening to uplifting pieces of music, and the freedom to be creative in any subject can enrich and expand what we already offer to our children. Introducing art and music might even make you fall in love with these subjects, and possibly inspire YOU to get creative.  A lot of people may not see the importance of art and music especially for children.  They might think it’s boring, a waste of time, or for more mature students.  But these creative disciplines play a vital role in shaping young minds, fostering holistic development, and nurturing skills that extend far beyond the canvas or the stage. And it’s never too early to expose young children to the arts.

Why is Art and Music Study for Children so Important? (6:37)

• Cognitive Development

Art and music education has been proven to stimulate various cognitive functions, enhancing a child’s ability to think critically and problem-solve. When children engage in artistic or musical activities, they learn to analyze complex patterns, and use their imagination. These skills not only benefit their academic pursuits but also prepare them for real-life challenges.

• Emotional Expression

Art and music provide a safe and expressive outlet for children to convey their emotions and feelings. Whether through painting, playing an instrument, or singing, these creative forms allow kids to explore and articulate their innermost thoughts. This emotional release can be particularly beneficial for children who find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

• Creativity and Innovation

Nurturing creativity in children is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world. Art and music encourage kids to think outside the box, explore new possibilities, and develop innovative problem-solving skills. These disciplines foster a mindset that values uniqueness and diversity, which is essential for success.

• Improved Focus and Discipline

Learning an instrument or creating a piece of art requires dedication, practice, and patience. These disciplines teach children the value of hard work, perseverance, and time management. As they strive to master their craft, they develop essential life skills that will serve them well in any endeavor.

• Cultural Awareness

Art and music are powerful tools for introducing children to different cultures and traditions. Exposure to diverse artistic expressions and musical styles helps broaden their horizons and fosters a sense of empathy and respect for others. This cultural awareness is invaluable in promoting tolerance and global citizenship.

• Enhanced Communication Skills

Engaging in artistic and musical activities encourages effective communication. Whether collaborating on a group project, giving a presentation, or performing in front of an audience, children develop the ability to convey their thoughts and ideas with confidence and clarity.

• Stress Reduction and Emotional Resilience

Art and music provide a therapeutic escape from the pressures of everyday life. Engaging in these activities can reduce stress and anxiety in children. The act of creating something beautiful or playing soothing music can have a calming effect, promoting emotional resilience and mental well-being. If you want to give your kids a well-rounded education, art and music study for children is just as important as mathematics, science, or language. These creative disciplines foster so much development and growth, emotional expression, creativity, and a host of other skills that prepare children for success in an increasingly complex world. Let’s prioritize the arts and music in our children’s education, recognizing that they are not just extracurricular activities but essential components of a holistic learning experience. By doing so, we empower the next generation to become individuals who can contribute positively to society and find fulfillment in their own unique ways.

Music

Incorporating Music into your homeschool (10:15)

Incorporating music into your homeschool curriculum can be a fun and enriching experience for your kids.  Music not only enhances their creativity, but also offers so many educational benefits. Through the years we’ve done a variety of things to bring music into our home. This can even start before your child is even born. Singing and playing music to your baby helps develop a deeper connection with them. Make up songs for everything- getting in your car seat, waking up, cleaning the house.  When not singing, provide instruments like a lap harp, to a maracas, to drums. Both my kids love music, but one has chosen to pursue music professionally. I made an entire year’s curriculum around music for him in middle school-and his year-end final project was building his own guitar. 

Music Appreciation: Start by just introducing your children to a wide range of music genres. Listen to classical music, jazz, pop, folk, and world music. Discuss the differences in style, instruments, and emotions evoked by each genre.  Just having music playing in the house or car is a great way to expose kids to music. And don’t be afraid to reach outside of your own comfort zone to introduce different types of music. There’s a good chance that your child has different taste in music, so expose them to all kinds of genres.

This Composer Book Series was a favorite for both of our families:

We also choose to explore the works of famous composers and musicians pretty early.  You can find all kinds of fun picture books at the library about your favorite musicians and composers, and we loved the Beethoven’s Wig cds- they are classical music set with lyrics that are pretty catchy and very memorable.  I love being at the symphony and one of my kids says I know the words to this song!

Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Symphonies

Musical Instruments: Consider offering your children the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. And this doesn’t have to be expensive. You can choose to do private lessons, but there’s also a lot of online lessons that are very affordable like on outschool or you can do lessons on DVDs. Instruments like the piano, guitar, violin, or even the recorder are good choices for beginners.  Have a big basket of musical instruments in your house.  You’ll be surprised at how popular these toys are!

Singing: Singing can be a wonderful way to bring music into your home. Encourage your children to sing along with their favorite songs or learn new songs. Singing helps develop pitch, rhythm, and language skills. You can incorporate singing into your daily routines, such as singing a “Good Morning” song or singing during chores.

Singing can also help teach reading. Karaoke was one of the ways that I taught my youngest how to read. Put a karaoke song on YouTube, give them a microphone and the reading instruction is done for the day!

One of the ways I taught my kids how to read is with Karaoke!

We took a couple classes when the kids were really little- Kindermusik and then Music Together.  They are super fun mommy and me classes that really help introduce kids to music.  I mostly took them for my toddler but my baby liked them so much- we did these for a long time.

Music Theory: Teach the basics of music theory, like reading sheet music, understanding notes, rhythms, and scales. There are so many resources for all age groups and skill levels. You really don’t have to be musical yourself to teach this. I will link some great resources in our show notes. 

Music History: Explore the history of music, including different periods like Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. Learn about famous composers and musicians, their life stories, and the cultural context of their work. I did musical composer unit studies. I’ll link those books – They are so good for elementary age kids. 

Create a Music Corner: You can dedicate a space in your home for music. Musical instruments, a music stand, Music note posters, a whiteboard for composing, and a collection of music books.

Music-Based Activities: Incorporate music into other subjects. You can also use songs to teach math concepts like memorizing multiplication tables or use historical songs to learn about different time periods. 

Field Trips and Concerts: Attend local music concerts, performances, and musical theater productions. There are many symphony performances catered to kids and families.  Some may feature popular songs, like Star Wars and other recognizable movie scores.  

We’ve also done an instrument petting zoo where you can try out instruments. There’s also a lot of great museums and historical sites dedicated to celebrating music. 

Music Challenges and Projects: Organize music-related challenges or projects. For instance, have your children compose their own songs, or research a specific musical era and present their findings. 

Online Resources: There are also numerous online resources, apps, and educational platforms that offer music lessons, interactive activities, and quizzes. Take advantage of these resources to enhance your music curriculum. We’ve really enjoyed Learn & Master! There are some wonderful Music options on Outschool

Collaborative Activities: Encourage your children to collaborate with each other or with friends. They can form a band, write songs together, or create musical performances for a homeschool co-op or groups. There are even homeschool options for this in a lot of areas.  We have a homeschool marching band, orchestra and such in our area.  

My son was in School of Rock for a few years, and he met a lot of those kids there. He also does open mic nights and loves to perform. You don’t even have to perform; you can go and listen to some of the local artists. 

My kids played with a local Irish Music school for years.  They played in session bands at festivals and concerts and my kids competed at Irish dance competitions in a music category.  We have friends whose kids busk on weekends for cash, too.

Remember that the goal is to make music an enjoyable part of your life. Encourage creativity and exploration, and allow your kids to pursue their musical interests and passions. Incorporating music into your homeschooling routine not only enriches your children’s education but also provides them with a lifelong appreciation for the art of music. Whether they become musicians or simply enjoy listening to music, the skills and knowledge gained from a musical education can have a lasting impact on their lives.

ART

Incorporate Art into Your Homeschool (26:40)

Like with music, you do not need to be terribly artsy to Incorporating art and artist study into your homeschool curriculum.  This  can be a rewarding and enriching experience for your children. It not only fosters creativity but also helps them appreciate the rich world of art and the artists behind the masterpieces. 

Artistic Pursuits is a favorite Art Curriculum we both used with our children:

Start with the Basics:

In the early days you can just start by having an art corner with supplies- like a basket of paper, tape,  scissors, and markers. This was available to them all the time, and sometimes my kids would wake up before me and create 800 paper airplanes or drawings of the exact same thing and sometimes my house was overrun with little pieces of cut paper. I promise, it won’t always be like this. Remember that it is really about the process not the product.

Later you can start getting into art more deeply by beginning to explore:

• the fundamentals of art, such as color theory, perspective, and various artistic techniques.
• Explore different art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and more.

• Art History:
  • Introduce your children to the history of art by studying different art movements and periods (e.g., Renaissance, Impressionism, Cubism).
  • Learn about famous artists from different eras and their contributions to the art world.

• Famous Artists:
  • Choose a different artist to study each month or semester. Dive deep into their life, works, and style.
  • Your kids can create a dedicated artist notebook or portfolio for each artist, where they can document their findings and create their own artworks inspired by the artist’s style. Ambleside Artist Study

• Art Appreciation:
  • Visit art museums and galleries to see famous artworks in person, or take virtual museum tours online. Last year we did an entire school year of teen art programming at our local museum.  Check and see what’s available in your area or ask a museum to do a class.
  • Analyze and discuss famous artworks, exploring their symbolism, themes, and historical context.

• Art Projects:
  • Allow for creative freedom by letting them interpret the artist’s work in their unique way.

• Artist Biographies:
  • Read biographies or watch documentaries about famous artists. Discuss their life stories, struggles, and inspirations.
  • Use these stories as a way to teach perseverance, dedication, and the importance of following one’s passion.

• Art Journals:
  • Have your kids keep an art journal where they can sketch, paint, or collage their thoughts, feelings, and observations.
  • Encourage them to use their journals to experiment with different art techniques and record their artistic progress.
• Art Appreciation Challenges:
  • Create challenges or assignments related to specific artists or art movements. For example, ask your children to create a piece of art in the style of Vincent van Gogh or Jackson Pollock.  
  • Host art exhibitions within your homeschool group or family and showcase your children’s creations.
• Online Art Lessons: We’ve really enjoyed the painting instruction from Learn & Master.
• Field Trips and Workshops:
  • Attend local art exhibitions, workshops, and art classes to provide hands-on experience and interaction with the local art community.
  • Seek out local artists who might be willing to give your children private art lessons or studio tours.

• Art Books and Resources:
  • Build a library of art books, both for learning about artists and for practical art instruction.
  • Utilize online resources, such as art history websites, virtual art galleries, and instructional videos. You know one of my cheap art hacks is to buy end of year calendars and then sneak quality art prints into my kids bathrooms!

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning:
  • Combine art with other subjects, such as history (study the art of a specific time period), literature (illustrate scenes from books), or science (create art inspired by natural patterns). 
  • Fibonacci Sequence: This sequence is closely connected to the golden ratio and frequently occurs in various facets of human life. The Fibonacci sequence can also be in the pattern in which sunflowers generate new cells for seeds and even in our own solar system, where the Fibonacci series is used to determine the distances of moons of certain planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, and Uranus. The Fibonacci sequence can also be in the pattern in which sunflowers generate new cells for seeds and even in our own solar system, where the Fibonacci series is used to determine the distances of moons of certain planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, and Uranus. Learn more about Fibonacci in Art in this YouTube Video.

• Celebrate Creativity Encourage your children to explore their creativity freely, whether through drawing, painting, or other art forms. Display their artwork in your homeschool space to create a gallery of their creations.

Incorporating art and artist study into your homeschooling routine not only nurtures your children’s creativity but also helps them develop critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. It can be a dynamic and engaging way to enhance their education and broaden their horizons. What a fun way to learn!

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