Page 21 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 8 2025

THE BIG PICTURE
LIFESTYLE

MIND THE GAP

challenges, life skills, and personal growth.
Think hiking, building, leading, failing, HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR
recovering — all in a group of equally CHILD’S A GOOD CANDIDATE
confused 18-year-olds figuring out life. FOR A GAP YEAR

Great for: Kids who need to build grit, They’re not ready to commit to a
confidence, and independence before course or career yet.
choosing a career path. They have the maturity to make the
Au Pairing Abroad year count.
You get board, meals, a stipend, and an They’re motivated to do something —
instant crash course in how other people even if they’re not sure what.
live. You also get to look after children,
which means you grow up very quickly. They need time to build confidence,
Europe is a popular choice, especially the independence, or life skills.
Netherlands and Germany. Most agencies
require a police clearance and basic And above all — they’re willing to work
childcare experience. through the discomfort of not having
it all figured out. Because that’s the
Great for: Independent teens who love kids real growth.
and want to live abroad without blowing
their life savings. willing to invest in the experience. overseas adventure and don’t mind
shouting “eyes on me!” twenty times a day.
Cruise Ships & Superyachts Summer Camp USA (or Canada)
This is proper work — long hours, tight Your teen becomes a camp counsellor, THE POINT ISN’T THE
quarters, and zero room for laziness. But it runs activities, supervises kids, and earns PROGRAMME — IT’S THE
pays well, includes international travel, and a stipend. Flights and accommodation PURPOSE.
builds real work ethic. Teens need specific are often covered. Camps vary wildly — Gap years can be game-changers if they’re
safety training (STCW) and usually start in from lakeside outdoorsy ones to more treated like an investment, not an escape
entry-level roles like deckhand or steward/ specialised creative programmes. Some plan. That doesn’t mean every day needs
stewardess. agencies include Camp Leaders and USA to be productive. But there should be a
Summer Camp. sense of momentum — a thread your teen
Great for: Adventurous, disciplined teens can trace back later and say, “That’s when
who want to earn while seeing the world — Great for: Sociable teens who want an I grew up a bit.”
and don’t mind cleaning things.

Study Abroad / Short Courses
Not a full degree, but enough to keep the ABOUT THE AUTHOR
brain busy. Some do language immersion Nicola Killops is a curriculum designer, education
in Spain or Japan; others take creative consultant, and neurodiversity specialist based in South
short courses in London or Amsterdam. Africa. She works with families, schools, and teachers
These are good for curious kids who to support gifted, ADHD, and twice-exceptional learners
want to keep learning but aren’t ready for — helping each child find the path that fits them, not the
system. She is the founder of NeuroParenting Hub, where
university just yet. she offers personalised tools, resources, and real-talk
support for parents navigating complex learning journeys.
Great for: Kids with academic interest but
no clear major in mind — and families

18 DPL issue 8 2025 DPL issue 8 2025 19
6 DPL issue 5 2025