by Ramona Taylor

Created on: October 21, 2009   Last Updated: January 02, 2010

The Ten Commandments of Parenting include "thou shall eat your vegetables", "thou shall get good grades", and "thou shall go to collegen and get an education." As parents, we want what's best for our children.  Our generation was taught that an education was the means to wealth and respectable occupations; however as our culture changes and the world becomes more competitive, the goals we set for ourselves and our children have changed. As a result, an increasing number of teens are opting not to go to college after high school.

Many parents are part of the baby boomer generation and were taught that in order to escape blue collar life and financial limitations, college was our bridge to something better; however, at that time, college was more affordable, our friends had the same college aspirations. Boomers were raised to accepted that we would go to college or enlist in the military. There were few options other than college that helped prepare people for careers.  Getting into some college was easier a few decades ago and conventional wisdom dictated that you needed some type of college degree to compete.

Years ago, Gallop took a poll of graduating teenagers and found that 85% of teens plan to go to college after high school. Of this percentage, not all planned on attending a four year college or university. Of the remainder of the graduating high school students,  many had chosen a difference course for various reasons. IN coping with your teen's refusal to go to college, a parent must understand the reasons why.

PARENTAL ASSESSMENT- WHY AND REASON

Your high schooler may have already given you some sign that they are not interested in going to college. The key is to have a discussion with your child about their future plans and why they think college is not an option. Here are some potential concerns your child may have about college.

Cost 

We are in a recession and the cost of higher education is still rising. While twenty years ago, college was more affordable. Many resources are stretched to the limit. Grants are hard to find and competition is steep for scholarships. Your child may think that the cost burden for college is too high for you and for him or her.

Friends/Paramours Influence

Young love can make you blind. Your child may have close friends or girl/boyfriend, who has opted not to attend school Planning more for their love life, your child may chose to follow their paramour's interests and wishes

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