Turn2Me Urges Parents to Support Students Through CAO Decision Weekend

As CAO offers arrive this weekend, mental health charity Turn2Me is urging Cork parents to provide calm, positive support while students explore their options ahead of Tuesday's acceptance deadline.

Turn2Me Urges Parents to Support Students Through CAO Decision Weekend
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As thousands of Cork students consider their CAO offers this weekend, national mental health charity Turn2Me is encouraging parents to provide calm, positive support while young people explore the Available Places facility and weigh up their options before Tuesday's deadline.

The charity emphasised that this crucial weekend should focus on exploring opportunities rather than dwelling on any disappointments, with Round 1 CAO acceptances closing on 2nd September.

Fiona O'Malley, CEO of Turn2Me:

"This weekend is a crucial time for students weighing up their CAO offers. Parents can play a vital role by being calm, positive, and supportive. Now is not the time to focus on mistakes or regrets. Instead, encourage your child to take time to consider all of their options and to think about where their passions and interests lie. A career path is not defined by a single decision at age 18; there are always many routes into fulfilling jobs."

The charity has outlined five key pieces of advice for families navigating this important weekend. First, they stress there's no need to rush decisions, with acceptances not closing until Tuesday, giving students time to carefully review their options.

Parents are encouraged to be solution-focused, listening and reassuring rather than dwelling on what didn't go as planned. The focus should remain firmly on possibilities ahead.

For those considering alternatives, Turn2Me suggests exploring international study options, noting that many universities abroad have lower entry requirements for similar courses compared to Irish institutions. This could open new opportunities for both academic achievement and personal growth.

The charity emphasises that students should follow their interests and passions, thinking about which subjects excite them most and how these could translate into fulfilling careers. Enjoying what you study, they note, can lead to more sustainable career satisfaction.

Perhaps most importantly, Turn2Me reminds families that multiple pathways exist into chosen careers. From PLCs and conversion courses to apprenticeships and international study, there are always alternative routes available.

Key CAO dates for students to remember include Round 1 acceptances closing on 2nd September, Round 2 offers becoming available online on 8th September with acceptances closing on 10th September, and Round 3 offers available from 16th September.

O'Malley added:

"Parents can make all the difference during this period by staying calm, positive, and supportive. No matter what course or route your child chooses, there are always opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed."

Turn2Me offers free, professional online counselling sessions and support groups for both parents and students at www.turn2me.ie, providing additional support during this potentially stressful period.