After your graduating seniors hang up their caps and gowns, they’ll soon be faced with new experiences and independence. For parents, this rite of passage comes with a mix of emotions that include sadness, fear, pride and excitement.
As your teens take this next step towards adulthood, they will need your support even more than ever. Consider the tips below to help them navigate these changes and set a positive direction for their next phase of life:
1. Build their confidence.
With change can come self-doubt – assure your teens that you believe in their capabilities and remind them of their strengths. Building confidence will help them combat any fears of change.
2. Help them understand their responsibilities.
Communicate with them often about changes they can expect in scholastic, financial and social responsibilities. Reiterate your expectations and ask open-ended questions to help them prepare for potential scenarios they could face.
3. Develop time management strategies.
Help them determine the best strategies to handle their ever-evolving college schedules. Adopting positive habits early on will help them balance their new responsibilities.
4. Establish a communication plan.
Whether you connect through text, phone, FaceTime or Facebook Messenger, determine a communication plan that works for both you and your teens. Maintaining a strong connection will help you identify when your teens may need help.
5. Offer your support.
As the No. 1 influence in your teens’ lives, your support in times of significant change is immensely important. Be available to answer questions and offer advice to your teens to uplift and help them through their experiences.
For more tips on how to connect with your post-grad teens, please visit the Coaching section of our website.
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