As kids grow up, they hit pressure-filled decision points: Which school? What major? What job? But too often, those choices are made without any real vision for the kind of life they want. In this episode, Scott Schimmel explains why helping kids define their life aspirations—before making big decisions—is the key to less anxiety, more clarity, and better long-term outcomes.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or mentor, this episode will help you guide kids toward a fuller vision of their future, rooted in values, identity, and a sense of purpose. Instead of narrowing options too early, you’ll learn how to help them zoom out, dream big, and choose wisely.

“Every choice a kid makes is shaped by the ones that came before it—and their sense of who they are becoming.”

“We've overcommunicated to our kids: whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy.”

“There are three big anxieties: Will I like it? Will I be good at it? Will it even exist?”

“The clearer the vision for their life, the easier the decisions become.”

“Aspiration isn’t just about work. It’s about family, friendship, community, even the kind of neighbor they want to be.”

00:00 – Intro: The Pressure of Decision Points

01:30 – The Chain of Choices: From Habits to Jobs

04:45 – Prediction Anxiety: Will I Like It? Be Good at It? Will It Exist?

10:30 – The Cultural Obsession with “Liking” Your Work

13:15 – Why We Need to Start with Life Aspirations

15:50 – A Better Way to Guide Big Choices

19:30 – A Simple Exercise to Help Kids Dream Bigger

23:00 – How Parents Can Be Better Guides

26:10 – Final Thoughts: Clarity, Confidence, and Vision

Want to help your kid find clarity in the chaos? Start with these two questions tonight:

“What do you want your life to look like in 20 years?”

“What kind of person do you want to be known as?”

Then, go deeper with our free life vision worksheet—grab it at theyouschool.com/resources 

And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who’s helping a kid make big decisions.

There’s a moment every parent dreams about—when your kid turns to you and says, “What should I do with my life?” And in that moment, most of us freeze. Even the pros (like Scott Schimmel, who literally does this for a living) mess it up.

This episode is a real-time reflection on how we talk with our kids about their future. But instead of diving into majors and jobs right away, Scott makes the case that we need to back up and ask a much deeper question: What is work even for?

If you want to help your kid build a meaningful life, start by examining how you talk about your own work. Because guess what? They’re paying attention. Every offhand comment, every sigh, every joke about “working for the man”—it’s all shaping their perspective on what work means.

This episode will help you reset that foundation.

Not school.
Not social media.
Not their part-time job.

You.

The question is: Are you helping them see work as meaningful... or miserable?

“Our kids are learning about work from us—whether we like it or not.”

“You’ve got to look at what story you’re telling about work. Because they’re watching. They’re absorbing it all.”

“We want to give advice when they ask about majors or careers, but if we skip the philosophy, we miss the whole point.”

“What if the purpose of work isn’t just to make money or survive—but to make a contribution that matters?”

00:00 – The Moment Every Parent Hopes For
Scott shares the recent story of his kid finally asking for career advice—and how he fumbled the moment.

02:10 – Why Work Conversations Often Fall Flat
Parents rush to give advice, but skip over the most foundational questions: What is work for?

04:30 – Your Kid’s Work Philosophy Starts With You
The way you talk about your job—the little phrases and offhand remarks—becomes their framework for understanding work.

07:15 – 3 Ways Kids Absorb Your Attitude About Work

The phrases you repeat

The characters in your work stories

The choices you make around work-life balance

12:00 – Reflecting on the Work Story You’re Telling
Are you painting work as drudgery or purpose? Sacrifice or contribution?

15:00 – A Better Conversation With Your Kid
Before you give career advice, ask your kid: What do you think work is for?

This episode is paired with a companion article that goes even deeper into this idea.

👉 Read it now: https://www.theyouschool.com/blog/guiding-your-kids-to-their-good-life-a-redemptive-perspective-about-work 

Let this be your reminder: You’re not just helping your kid pick a job—you’re helping them build a philosophy of work.

Start there.

And next time they ask for your advice, you won’t fumble it.

Guiding Your Kids to Their Good Life

Hosted by: Scott Schimmel
Episode Summary:

In this episode, Scott Schimmel kicks off a brand-new series called Guiding Your Kids to Their Good Life, built for anyone who cares deeply about the kids in their lives—parents, educators, mentors, coaches, or grandparents.

Scott reflects on YouSchool's work with veterans transitioning to civilian life through Vector Accelerator and draws a powerful parallel: whether you're 18 or 38, the work of figuring out your life—who you are, what you want, and where you're headed—requires guidance, clarity, and intentionality. And it’s the same process for kids.

Scott shares a raw, relatable look at what it’s like to parent kids through high-stakes decisions (education, career, life direction) while resisting the urge to control them. He introduces a powerful idea: every now and then, you get a "layup moment"—when your kid turns to you and actually asks, “What do you think I should do?” The question is—will you be ready?

Guiding, Not Controlling: Kids need help making informed decisions, not scripts for their lives. The goal is autonomy, not obedience.

Layup Moments Matter: Every so often, your kid will ask for your opinion. These are golden moments—don’t freeze or preach. Be ready to guide.

Same Curriculum, Different Ages: The questions that help veterans transition with clarity are the same ones that help kids build meaningful lives. It's about purpose, identity, and belonging.

Success ≠ Meaning: You can do all the “right” things—grades, college, job—and still miss building a meaningful life. That’s why reflection and guidance are so essential.

The Emotional Load is Real: Your kid’s choices can feel personal. But your job isn’t to manage their outcomes—it’s to equip them with clarity and confidence.

“I wish it was as easy as telling our kids what to do and then they go and do it… but that’s not how this whole thing works.”

“We want to help you think well about the most significant moments you can have with your kids—while preserving and honoring their autonomy. That’s the ‘you’ in YouSchool.”

“There are a fixed number of conversations, exercises, and experiences your kid needs to find clarity. That’s what we’ll cover in this series.”

“We’ve all had those moments where we drop everything to protect our kids in a crisis. But the decisions they’re making about their lives? Those are just as critical.”

Subscribe to the Parent School series wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit theyouschool.com  for supporting articles, tools, and resources to go deeper with your kid.

Ask your kid this one question tonight:
“What’s something you're wondering about your future right now?”
Then—just listen. You might be getting your layup moment.

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Scott Schimmel tackles one of the most critical questions every kid needs to answer to build a meaningful life: “Who guides your life?” Drawing from research by the Search Institute, Scott shares why every child needs at least five caring, invested adults in their life—and how you, as a parent or educator, can help make that happen.

Scott reflects on his own emotional journey as a dad watching his son grow up and pull away and offers encouragement that this natural development doesn’t mean disconnection—it’s an invitation to bring others into your child’s world.

You’ll learn:

Why kids need five adult mentors, not just their parents

How to intentionally create opportunities for your kids to connect with other caring adults

Ways to facilitate meaningful conversations between your child and mentors

How teachers, coaches, and youth leaders can become more than just role-fillers

The long-term impact of building a network of trusted guides around your child

Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or youth leader, this episode offers inspiration and actionable ideas to help the next generation feel guided, seen, and supported.

✅ Don’t forget to:

Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more insights on raising kids who live meaningful lives.

Share this episode with parents, educators, and anyone who works with youth.

What do people actually experience when they’re around your kid?

In this episode of the YouSchool Podcast, Scott Schimmel explores one of the most underrated (and most essential) life skills: social awareness. It’s a core part of emotional intelligence—and it shapes how kids show up in the world, build relationships, and get included… or left out.

Scott breaks down why every kid needs to develop social awareness, especially in a world full of screens, sarcasm, and isolation. And he shares practical ways parents can help kids become more tuned in to how they come across to others—without guilt, shame, or awkward lectures.

Whether your kid is super social or socially unsure, this episode will give you tools to:

Ask the right reflective questions

Gently give feedback without shutting them down

Model emotional intelligence in your own life

Make reflection feel normal (not forced)

Because kids who grow in self-awareness and social awareness? They’re the ones people trust, include, and follow.

Social awareness isn’t just “being nice”—it’s noticing how you impact others

Most kids aren’t naturally good at this (especially if they’re anxious or neurodivergent)

Emotional intelligence is learned—and needs practice, modeling, and feedback

Asking the right questions plants the seed for lifelong growth

0:00 – Intro to the 30 Critical Questions
1:45 – What is social awareness and why does it matter?
4:10 – A personal story that changed Scott’s life
7:00 – Emotional intelligence vs. just being “smart”
10:15 – What happens when kids don’t develop social awareness
13:25 – The power of feedback and modeling
17:00 – Practical tips for helping your kid build social awareness
22:00 – The long-term impact on relationships and confidence
25:00 – Reflective questions to ask your kid this week

Ask your kid: “How do you think you come across to others?”
Then listen. Really listen. And let the seed grow.

What should your kid do when a friend is hurting? Do they know how to show up—really show up—for someone else?

In this episode, Scott Schimmel explores one of the most overlooked (and under-taught) life skills: empathetic listening. We dive into why most kids (and adults!) struggle with it, how it impacts relationships, and how parents can help their kids become the kind of person everyone wants by their side when things get tough.

This isn’t just about being a “good friend”—it’s about building the emotional intelligence that shapes how your kid leads, connects, and loves.

Why belonging and empathy are foundational to a meaningful life

What most kids do wrong when a friend opens up

The skill that builds trust, connection, and long-term resilience

How parents can model and teach empathetic listening

What emotional intelligence really looks like (it’s not just being nice)

Model it: Show your kid what empathy looks like in real conversations.

Name it: Call out when you see them being present and compassionate.

Practice it: Roleplay or reflect on tough moments—what worked, what didn’t?

🎯 Ask Your Kid Tonight:
"How do you care for your friends when they’re going through something hard?"
Help them think through real responses—and what empathy looks like in action.

How to Teach Your Kids the #1 Skill for a Successful Life

In this episode, Scott Schimmel breaks down one of the most overlooked but essential life skills your kids need to thrive: the art of connection.

✔️ Why building healthy relationships is more important than grades or followers

✔️ The surprising research on connection and your child’s mental health, confidence, and motivation

✔️ How modern life steals 5,000 hours of face-to-face time from kids — and what you can do about it

✔️ Practical ways to teach your child how to genuinely connect with others

✔️ The three keys: Talk about it, model it, and practice it together Scott shares real-life questions you can ask, tips for practicing social skills at home, and simple habits to strengthen your child’s ability to build trust, navigate friendships, handle conflict, and build a rich, meaningful life.

👉 Question of the Week: What do you do to connect with others?

✨ Listen in and discover how you can help your kids master the backbone of a thriving life: true connection.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Connection for Success
02:42 Building Healthy Relationships in a Digital Age
05:50 Practical Strategies for Teaching Connection Skills

In this thought-provoking episode, Scott Schimmel explores one of the most critical and often overlooked questions in parenting and adolescent development: Who does your kid belong to?

As children grow and begin to pull away from their family units, they seek new communities of belonging — but not all belonging is created equal.

Scott walks us through: The psychological importance of belonging (vs. just fitting in) How social media distorts identity and connection

The dangers of chasing approval and acceptance at any cost

Practical tips for parents to stay connected during this critical time

Why dads have a unique role in modeling healthy relationships

How to build rituals of connection even as your child pulls away

Whether your child is entering adolescence or leaving for college, this episode will equip you with essential tools to stay a grounded, supportive influence in their life. Belonging is more than social—it’s a survival need.

Start the conversation today.

👇 Questions to ask your kid this week 👇

Who are your people?

Who accepts you as you truly are?

Where do you feel like you can be yourself?

Let’s build homes and relationships that become the safe havens every kid needs.

In this powerful episode, Scott Schimmel explores one of the most transformative questions a young person can answer: "What is your story?"

Drawing from years of work with students and personal experiences, Scott unpacks the psychology of identity, the role of narrative in personal development, and the risks of drifting through life without a story of your own.

Listeners will learn:

Why every kid lives in a story—whether they know it or not How social pressures and expectations shape (and sometimes distort) that story

Why self-reflection and narrative identity are essential tools for young people

The structure of the Hero’s Journey and how it applies to teens finding their way Practical ways to help kids discover, own, and live their authentic story

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mentor, this episode will give you insights and tools to guide the young people in your life toward greater clarity, purpose, and ownership of their journey.

🛠️ Takeaways Kids don’t just need guidance—they need story ownership. Drifting into someone else’s expectations is dangerous. Self-reflection isn’t a luxury; it’s a skill. Model your own journey and normalize the struggle. Ask story-driven questions that open up self-discovery.