Science camps, emotional support counseling, college coaching, volunteer opportunities and other perks for older kids are a special focus for cutting-edge companies--and welcome assistance for parents whose babies are growing up.
Certainly the challenges of raising a tween or teen aren’t new. What is new is that employers are recognizing working parents’ urgent need for support handling these challenges. That’s why innovative programs for adolescents—though they’re far from widespread—are gaining ground at some forward-thinking Working Mother 100 Best Companies. These businesses understand that they need to provide support beyond child care for babies and that bigger kids mean bigger challenges. They’ve also learned that their employees’ peace of mind is priceless. So they’ve let it be known that working moms like Amanda can turn to them for help.
"If a parent is sitting at her desk with a project that’s due tomorrow and she can’t locate her child, what’s going to take priority?" asks Maureen Corcoran, vice president of diversity at Prudential Financial. "It’s a problem that begs for help."
Amanda signed up for Carlson Companies’ emotional support counseling, available through the company’s LifeWorks program. She and her daughter received several free visits with a therapist who understood the parent-teen dynamic. The counseling helped mom and daughter negotiate a balance between Amanda’s desire for discipline and Christina’s wish for freedom. "Sometimes you just need to know the right thing to say, and counseling from a professional really helps with that," says Amanda.
Individual counseling is only one of many ways that companies are extending a helping hand to their mom and dad employees. Others include support groups for the parents of teenagers and, for kids, cool camps that promote building self-esteem and learning about such subjects as science, as well as programs that offer volunteer opportunities and college-preparation classes.
An Eye on Higher Ed
Academic camps and volunteer projects can certainly have a huge impact on shaping a child’s future. But many parents are telling their employers they want even more targeted assistance. That’s why Morgan Stanley hired a service called College Coach, which helps parents and teens select colleges and apply.
"The application process is the most competitive it’s ever been—and more stressful for parents—so there’s a real need for support," says Jacqueline L. Rosa, Morgan Stanley’s executive director of global diversity and work/life programs.
More than 600 Morgan Stanley parents attended on-site College Coach seminars last year, and nearly 200 received one-on-one counseling sessions at no cost. In addition to providing college selection assistance and help with admissions for high school juniors and seniors, College Coach also offers tests to help middle schoolers discover their strengths and advises seventh and eighth graders on high school course selection. "They said, ’It’s great that you helped us with college selection and admissions, but it would have been even better if we had known four years ago what we needed to think ahead about.’ "
Whether providing academic coaching or simply a fun day at the beach, employer-based programs for teens and tweens not only help them navigate this intense period but also set a precedent for the future. "I got a lovely compliment from my premed daughter," says S.C. Johnson’s Sheena Montei. "She said, ’You’ve allowed me to start the process of becoming a doctor, because I’ve seen that a working mother can really do it—and raise kids, too.’ So when she searches for that first job, she’ll have very high expectations." Employees have equally high expectations of their employers—and more companies are meeting these expectations head-on.
College Prep—Now
It’s never too early to start planning—and saving—for your child’s college years. Michael London, founder and president of College Coach, offers through-the-grades tips.
Up to First Grade
Explore a college savings vehicle [such as a 529 plan].
Second-Fifth Grades
Instill good study habits by spending 30 minutes a day with your child going over homework and discussing what he did in school. "Children are asked to do homework and take tests at a very young age," says London. "So parents need to help their kids understand and meet the school’s expectations."
Sixth-Eighth Grades
Help your child discover his true interests by discussing favorite books, games, TV shows and movies. Also zero in on the kinds of activities he likes best: group or solo; indoor or outdoor; bookish, arty or sporty.
Ninth-Tenth Grades
Make sure your child is taking courses at the proper level. Is he up for honors classes? Does he need a more standard course? "In a lot of high schools, kids get tracked by what they do in ninth grade, and parents often don’t know the ramifications of these decisions," says London.
Eleventh Grade
Start exploring your child’s college needs. Urban or rural campus? Huge university or intimate college? Division III sports team? Does he know what he wants to study? Now’s the time to check out websites and chat rooms, visit campuses and narrow choices.
Twelfth Grade
Teens should apply to six to eight schools, London advises. "The application process is so demanding. It’s just common sense that if your teen spreads himself too thin by applying to fifteen schools, it’s that much tougher to do a good job."
