1. The Summer Budget Challenge Work with your child to create a simple summer “budget” for something they want – a pair of shoes, a video game, a trip to an attraction. Help them map out how many weeks until they need it, what they’d need to earn or save each week, and what trade-offs they’d make. This is real-world financial planning. JA Finance Park (now JA Career Discovery Park) teaches exactly this thinking – keep it going at home.

2. The Business Idea Pitch Ask your child to identify one problem in your neighborhood or household and pitch a business idea that solves it – in 2 minutes or less. What would they charge? Who’s the customer? What would it cost to start? You don’t have to fund it. The pitch itself builds the skills. Bonus: record it and watch it back together.

3. Career Shadow (In Person or Online) Arrange for your child to spend a day, a morning, or even a 30-minute video call with someone in a career they’re curious about. Can’t find someone? LinkedIn, YouTube, and even TikTok have professionals sharing “day in the life” content across hundreds of fields. Have your child come with 3 questions prepared. The goal: learn something about a career that surprised them.

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