It’s hard to believe that four months from now the Class of 2022 will be walking across the stage to receive their high school diplomas. Doesn’t it seem like only yesterday we were packing their lunches and walking them into kindergarten for their very first day of school? How can they possibly be old enough to be graduating from high school?
The spring semester of a graduation year is both a tender and anxious time for students and parents alike. Some students will be staying in the area to enroll in a community college or nearby university, either packing up and moving into the dorm or perhaps continuing to live at home. Others are moving halfway across the country to begin their college careers. Some of our seniors are entering the workforce. To help prepare for the big changes coming, here is what to expect in the coming months:
Is your senior still on the fence about where to enroll in the fall? If so, consider visiting colleges one more time before you send in the enrollment deposit or register for classes. Parents, you may be thinking “not again!” but this next step in life is a really big deal, as the monetary outlay (even if your student is receiving scholarships) is similar to a car purchase. When you bought a car, you did your research, kicked the tires, and took the car for a test drive, so take that college for a test drive one more time before your student makes their final decision.
Who will your senior reach out to if they are having academic or time management challenges while at college? And remember, they WILL have challenges. Do they know how to write a professional email? Do they currently use a calendar to organize their activities, either on their phone or a paper planner? When they are in college, be it around the corner or hundreds of miles away, they are in charge of planning their days and activities. Talk with them now about how tough it can be to make time for multiple activities and emphasize how important it is to eat right, exercise, and sleep.
I can’t say this enough: no matter what comes their way, your student is going to encounter challenges and obstacles. Parents, buckle up, because you are now transitioning from the traditional parent role to the parenting coach/consultant role. There may be times your child asks you a question, but remember to ask yourself: do they want you to solve their problems or do they just want a sounding board? How will that conversation look? If you’re like me, you’ll want to take away any problem they have. That’s the natural tendency of parenting; press pause and give them time to problem solve.
Recently I was talking with a group of parents of college aged kids, and we all remarked that as the years pass, parenting has gotten tougher, not easier. But remember, as our seniors leave the nest, this is their time to learn and grow from their mistakes. Take a deep breath, count to three, and remember: you did it, and they can too!
Anna Graham is a School Counselor for College & Career at Hardin Valley Academy.