Weighing Options Together

A parent package for making criteria visible with a child while considering more than one education or exploration option, without choosing for them.

This content is an original draft whose PDR expert review is not complete. Evaluate it against your school's guidance principles and the group's needs before using it.

Learning objective

The parent and child identify at least three shared criteria without ranking options by income or prestige, then choose an information step rather than a final decision.

MEB / DİSREP ↗

Age suitability

Parent–child evaluation for any age

Materials

Weighing Options Together worksheet · Two or three blank option spaces · Pencil or drawing tools

Activity flow

01
Ask about criteria together
The parent asks, “What matters to you when you consider these options?” and does not immediately put their own criterion first. If the child does not want to answer, the conversation can be postponed or simply remain a listening moment.
02
Place options side by side
On the worksheet, criteria such as learning style, time, accessibility, interest, or support are considered across two or three options. Each criterion is a lens for asking better questions, not a contest score.
03
Choose an information step
Instead of deciding, parent and child talk about which general information is missing and how to find it. The result may be the child’s choice, a shared plan, or an open question; the adult’s role is to protect a safe space rather than narrow the options.

Inclusion and adaptations

The child’s participation and sharing are optional, with a right to pass. Drawing or speaking can replace writing; jobs are not ranked hierarchically by gender, income, or prestige, and no name or sensitive data is written.

Wrap-up

Considering together means making criteria and uncertainty visible, not choosing in the child’s place. This package is a draft awaiting review by a school counseling professional and is not presented as a completed parent guide.

Worksheet