DEAR DOCTOR KATHLEEN,
I am so worried about my son. He is 18 and will graduate from high school this year, and he should be applying to colleges. No matter what I say, he refuses to go. He said that he wants to be work in construction. He is very handy, but I fear he will not be able to make a good income. What can I do to convince him that education is important?
Dr. Cairns
WORRIED
DEAR W.,
When we work at what we love, we are successful. Your son wants to work with his hands in an admirable trade, one that will always be needed. He seems to know his own mind. He knows what he is good at and what he wants to do for work. College is not for everyone. There are lots of college graduates with no usable skills in the workforce. Majors such as liberal arts may give a student a well-rounded education, but offer little experience to apply in employment. Of course, we all know that education is priceless. With knowledge comes power. 
BUT, there are lots of kinds of knowledge. Trade schools of 100 years ago that taught factory work have evolved into technical schools that train students in medicine, plumbing, electrical work, cosmetology, heating and air conditioning, tool making, automotive work, computer skills, etc. They are job-training schools. Even high schools now offer special programs in magnet schools to teach job skills, to prepare students for life after senior year.
Respect your son’s desire to work at something he loves. Encourage him to go to a technical school. The skills he learns will be priceless. Not all education is about being book-smart. Intelligence can be used in all areas of life.
LIFE GOES ON©
Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in West Hartford, Connecticut. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples. You may call her at 860-236-5555 to make an appointment. She is the author of “The Psychotherapy Workbook.” You may email her at kathleen.cairns@mac.com and she will try to answer as many of your questions as possible.
www.kathleencairns.com
Life goes on… and every day matters…
