A good place to start helping them plan for their Post-16 options is to ask them to think of these three questions. 

• Where am I now? (What qualifications, skills, and interests do I have?) 
• Where do I want to get to? (What would I like to be doing in 5 years time – job, living away from home, etc?) 
• How will I get there? (What course, training or future job is likely to get me where I want to go?) 

Of course, at 16, your child doesn't necessarily need to know the answers to all these questions, but now is the time to start exploring information about careers, jobs and courses. 

If they really aren't sure about what they want to do in the future then 'stay broad' - suggest that they do a broad range of subjects so that they can decide later! 

It might also help to get advice from people who know them well (like teachers) or ask their school careers adviser.