We spend a lot of time talking about marks, subject choices, and career options—but often forget the vital skills that quietly make all the difference. Soft skills. They aren’t listed as school subjects, but employers are actively looking for them. And yes, they can be taught, encouraged, and grown—especially during the high school years.
As a parent, you have a powerful role to play in helping your teen develop these essential abilities that go far beyond the classroom.
What Are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are the personal and interpersonal abilities that help people work well with others and adapt to the challenges of a job or a team. Unlike technical knowledge, soft skills are about how your teen communicates, works with people, solves problems, and manages their own behaviour.
Some key soft skills employers consistently ask for include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Emotional intelligence
- Initiative and leadership
Why Do They Matter So Much?
Employers often say, “We can train for the job—but we can’t teach attitude, reliability, or resilience.” In a competitive work environment, especially in industries that are constantly changing, it’s these soft skills that set one young person apart from another.
Even universities are starting to look beyond grades and test scores. They want to see students who show curiosity, initiative, and responsibility.
How Parents Can Help Teens Develop Soft Skills
Encourage Real-World Experience
Part-time jobs, volunteering, tutoring younger students, or helping with family responsibilities—all build work ethic, communication, and time management. Even being involved in a school committee or leading a group project can make a big impact.
Let Them Solve Problems
When your teen comes to you with a problem, don’t rush to fix it. Instead, ask questions like, “What have you tried so far?” or “What do you think might work?” This builds confidence and problem-solving skills.
Promote Team Activities
Whether it’s sport, drama, debate, or a school club, being part of a team teaches cooperation, handling feedback, and dealing with disappointment—all soft skills that are valuable in the workplace.
Teach Time Management at Home
Help your teen learn how to plan their week, break down tasks, and set goals. These are habits that will serve them throughout their careers.
Model Professional Behaviour
They’re watching how you speak to service providers, how you manage stress, and how you handle deadlines. Your everyday actions give them a template for their own behaviour.
Focus on Communication
At home, practice active listening. Encourage respectful disagreement. Let them speak up at family discussions or share opinions at the dinner table. These small moments strengthen their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
It’s Not Just About Getting a Job—It’s About Thriving in Life
Soft skills don’t just help our kids get hired. They help them build relationships, navigate change, and rise to challenges in every part of their lives. They’re the difference between surviving and thriving.
We might assume they’ve got these sorted by now—but they’re still learning. This is your reminder to check in, talk through these ideas, and gently nudge them in the right direction. Not with pressure, but with purpose.
Because while school teaches the theory—life, and your support, teach them how to use it.
