What Should You Do if Your Teen Wants to Take a Gap Year?

The conversation probably started casually. Maybe something like, “Maybe I’ll take a year off before college,” while you were originally trying to help them with college applications. And just like that, it’s all you can think about. Just generally speaking, gap years can trigger a lot of mixed feelings. 

Maybe something like relief that your teen is thinking about what they want, maybe worry that they’ll lose momentum, possibly curiosity about what they actually plan to do. And probably a few flashbacks to when you were that age, trying to figure it all out too.

It’s not about panicking or shutting the idea down immediately. It’s about figuring out what this potential gap year could really look like and how to make sure it isn’t just a long break that leaves them feeling lost.

Not All Gap Years are the Same

Some teens want to work and save money. Others want to travel or volunteer. Some just feel burnt out and know they need time to reset before diving into another round of classes. Whatever the reason, it helps to get clear on what this year is meant to offer. The goal doesn’t have to be overly structured, but there should be some intention behind it.

This isn’t about forcing your teen to have a perfect plan. It’s about helping them think a little deeper. What would make this time feel worth it? What might they regret not doing? What kind of support do they need? Well, just framing it this way can shift the conversation from “taking a year off” to “taking a year on purpose.”

Talk About the Money, Without Making it Awkward

Basically, money always has a seat at the table in these kinds of conversations, even if no one brings it up at first. Now, sure, it’s 100% understandable, especially considering education is expensive, and even during that gap year, money will still be spent! If your family has been saving for education through RESPs in Canada, then now’s a good time to look at how a gap year fits into that timeline. For the most part, RESP funds can still be used later, but there are rules and deadlines to be aware of.

But generally speaking, it’s not about using finances to pressure your teen into school. It’s just about being transparent. Basically, it’s about understanding how things work gives them more freedom to make informed choices instead of jumping into college just because it feels easier than pausing.

Growth Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line

Well, a year out of the classroom doesn’t mean a year without learning. In fact, some of the most valuable life lessons happen outside of structured education. No, really, it’s actually true! So, a gap year can build independence, resilience, confidence, and real-world perspective, pretty much all things that matter just as much as textbooks and exams.

It’s okay if the year doesn’t go perfectly. It’s okay if it looks different than expected. But what matters is that your teen sees this time as part of their growth, not a break from it. College will still be there. So will trade schools. So will opportunities they haven’t even thought of yet.