Whether your child’s already decided to take a Gap Year or is just starting to consider it as an option, as their parent it can trigger plenty of emotions. From feelings of pride and excitement to feelings of worry and concern – I’m certain you just want to make sure they make the most of their gap year. All of which are completely normal. Either way it’s important to approach the topic with an open mind and supportive attitude. This will help to foster productive discussions, helping to guide your child through a potentially transformative experience. Here’s our gap year advice for parents.
Whilst it’s natural to have concerns and reservations, it’s essential you approach the Gap Year situation with an open mind and a supportive attitude. Here’s some advice around addressing common concerns:
One of the primary concerns parents may have about their child taking a gap year is the academic delay. Because yes, in theory a Gap Year slows your child’s traditional academic growth down by a year. However, it’s important to consider the other types of growth they could have during a Gap Year. How might it compliment their academic achievements?
A well planned Gap Year can enhance your child’s academic growth (i.e Academic Travel Programs), personal growth (i.e independence and resilience through travel), and provide real world experiences or insights (i.e Internship in a relevant field) all of which complement traditional education.
Your child may appreciate any support or advice you could give them around planning their Gap Year activities. This will help them to ensure they have a productive year.
Financial considerations are another common concern for parents. We’ve all had that nightmare thought or scenario, where your child is stranded in a bad situation, without the proper finances. But a Gap Year provides the opportunity for your child to develop the independence and resilience needed to resolve those types of situations.
A well thought our budget can help to prevent, or at least mitigate, any bad financial scenarios from occurring. It’s important your child has a financial plan / budget, exploring cost effective options or alternatives, and seek out funding opportunities to support their Gap Year adventure.
Your child may appreciate an open conversation around their Gap Year financial plan / budget, what expenses they may have and how they plan to fund these expenses.
Above all, your child’s safety is of course your number one priority; for some of you this might be the first time your child’s planning to venture off independently, or at least to this extremity. The unknown of what they get up to is unnerving, but this is a completely natural feeling.
Proactivity can help to reduce many safety concerns. By researching potential destinations, legitimacy of programs, and by obtaining comprehensive travel insurance. By staying informed about potential risks and security measures, you can help to educate your child on them too.
Your child may appreciate a transparent conversation around your concerns. Together you can then discuss the Gap Year logistics to help put you both at ease.
Whilst it can be easy to subconsciously focus on the concerns around your child taking a Gap Year, it’s equally as important to reassure and guide your child too. Here are some of our top tips:
Do you know why your child wants to take a Gap Year? Take the time to understand your child’s motivations and goals for actually taking the Gap Year. So long as you encourage open communication about their aspirations, interests, and intended outcomes for their Gap Year experience, you should be able to better understand their decision for taking a Gap Year.
While it’s natural to have concerns and important to voice those concerns, it’s crucial you support your child’s decision to take a gap year too. It’s a real opportunity for your child to develop themselves, their skills and their self-confidence. That’s why it’s important to express confidence in their ability to make responsible decisions and navigate challenges they might face.
Is this the first time your child’s embarked on such an independent adventure? If so, you should encourage them to engage in responsible planning and preparation for their Gap Year. Emphasize anything you think is important within the planning stages. We’d suggest discussing the importance of setting clear goals, researching programs, creating a budget, and addressing logistical considerations to ensure a successful and fulfilling Gap Year experience.
Staying involved in your child’s Gap Year experience is a win-win situation. It can help you to feel more reassured in your child’s experience whilst also providing your child with some confidence. However it’s important to remember there is a balance. You should respect their autonomy and independence – don’t just do it all for them. Instead, offer support and guidance when they need it. They might appreciate guidance, advice and assistance as needed from you, so maintain open lines of communication.
However your child may also appreciate support and guidance from an external person. Do you know any friends or family who went on a Gap Year? Would your child feel comfortable to talk to them? In addition to this, the National Careers Service offers free advice about careers and skills to anyone aged 13 or over and living in England. To speak to a professional careers adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use webchat (8am – 8pm Monday – Friday; 10am – 5pm Saturday).
Navigating your child’s decision to take a Gap Year requires a balance of understanding, support and guidance. By addressing concerns, providing reassurance, and offering practical advice, you can play a vital role in supporting your child’s Gap Year journey. Helping them to understand what a gap is year and whether they should take one.
With open communication, trust and mutual respect, you and your child can navigate the complexities of a Gap Year together.
