Graduation gowns are pressed and hung in the closet, the family is arriving on Thursday, and graduation is Friday. After all of the festivities are over and the relatives have gone home, what’s next?  That is the question many parents and students face each May.  Parents have a major influence on their children’s attitude toward work and life.  You play a key role in helping your child transition.

Career Exploration:  Help your son or daughter identify their personal qualities, interests and goals.  There are many free interest inventories they can take on the Internet.  Help your student research appropriate training options such as apprentice programs, trade schools, colleges. Please encourage them to ask career type questions when talking with adults.

Job Search: When you are out in the community, help your student pick up practice job applications.  Students often need help with personal data and references. Help your student construct a resume.  Often our students have a problem with listing their accomplishments.  You know them the best and will be a great source of help.  Another strategy would be to conduct mock interviewing situations.

Work Habits:  Please stress the importance of following directions, being on time, taking pride in one’s work, getting along with others, having a good attitude, dressing appropriately, showing a willingness to learn new tasks, and demonstrating follow through.

Independent Living: Budgeting in an important skill for teenagers to learn.  Helping the student’s budget their own money is an important step.  Help your student learn banking skills such as check writing, establishing credit and making wise purchasing decisions. Transportation is important.  If your son or daughter going to drive?  Evaluate some alternatives such as bus, carpool, bicycle, walking.  Practice using available transportation. Yes, chores are an important part of teaching students home management skills and responsibility. Discussions of various types of living situations is valuable.

In all of the transition areas discussed, parents are important role models. Parents demonstrate survival skills in day-to-day living.  Sharing the strategies they use may be their most important role in the transition process.