Getting Beyond "So what do you want to do when you grow up?"

In a recent survey 99.9 percent of teens reported hating that question. Okay, not really, but we'll bet the numbers are close. Instead, try these are fun questions intended to spark interesting conversations and help you get to know your teen a little better. Who knows, you might be surprised by some of the answers. Most parents are!

1. Describe your perfect day, from the time you get up until you go to sleep. What your teens do with their free time tells you a lot about future opportunities. For example, the teen who spends the day working on his car might enjoy a hands-on job or technical school. The teen who organizes a pizza party for her friends, might excel in some kind of organizational job, like that of an event planner. Who knows, maybe one day she will coordinate the Champlain Valley Fair!

2. If you owned a store, what would you sell? It's how they think about this question, not the exact items they pick that's interesting. For example, a teen who has a mind for finance might pick something with a high price tag. A teen with strong people skills might choose to open a toy store.

3. Name something that you would like to learn to do. From boat building to baking, what interests your teen? Consider taking a class yourself to show them how its done. VSAC is here to help you too. Plus, there is nothing like telling your teen to do homework with you!

4. Who do you trust most to give you good advice? A best friend? A favorite aunt? The person your teen turns to for advice tells you a lot about qualities they admire.

5. What is your favorite season of the year? Why? We often like a time of year because of the things we can do. Do you have a daredevil skier or a creative type who can't wait to plant the spring flower garden?

6. If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be and why? This is a fun question that gives you a bit of insight into your teen's personality. Ask yourself the same question and see what you come up with!

7. What is the best present you've ever received from someone? What do your teens value? What do they love?

8. What is the one thing you wish you could invent to make your life easier or more fun? Do your teens give you a creative answer or a practical answer? Their answer might also tell you a little more about their struggles.

9. Which animal would you most like to have as a pet? Like the company we keep, the pets we choose say a lot about who we are. Does he want a Golden Retriever? Like his favorite animal, your son is probably loyal, faithful and playful, too. Does she wish for an aquarium full of colorful tropical fish? She might have a creative side that's worth exploring.

10. If you were allowed to stop doing one chore around the house, what would it be? Why? This gives you more insight into the types of things your teen finds challenging—or just plain boring. After all, when narrowing options for the future, it's just as helpful to know what we don't want to do as what we do! For example, if your teen hates cleaning his room, jobs that require organizational skills might not be his cup of tea.