Graduation is an exciting time for both parents and students, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. For some students, the stress of planning the big day can be overwhelming and, for others, the future and the uncertainty that it holds consumes their minds. This can lead parents to also feel stressed and worried about their child and the changes that are about to take place. If this sounds all too familiar and your child has just graduated from college, the following are some tips on how you can support him/her through this transition from student life to career life. 

Offer Practical Support

Want to offer practical support that actually makes a difference? One of the most important things you can do is to help them find a job. A job will give your child a sense of purpose and help them learn all about responsibility. Once they have secured employment, you can help them find a safe place to live. Finally, offering financial support is the last step in our practical support guide but it’s a tricky topic, as you don’t want to overshadow their opportunity to gain their first taste of independence in the working world. Instead of handing over the pin to your bank account, why not offer advice on how they can refinance their existing student loans with the goal of saving on monthly expenses? They can benefit from lower interest rates and better repayment terms. It’s difficult but the key here is to strike a balance between helping and not overstepping the mark. 

Be a Positive Role Model

As a parent, setting your teen up for success before college is not where your journey ends. You are your child’s number one role model post-graduation as well. It is important to show him/her that you believe in them and are proud of their accomplishments. Telling them this and showing your appreciation for their efforts will help them feel confident and motivated to continue reaching their goals. Top tips include giving praise where it’s deserved and showing them that they can do anything they set their mind to. The result will be a super confident graduate that’s ready to face the challenges that await.  

Give Them Space

It’s sometimes hard to let go and let our children figure out what they want to do. We want to help, to be involved, and guide them in the right direction. It’s only natural as a parent but there comes a time in life when we need to take a step back. Give your child space and let them explore their independence and find their own way in life. They will certainly make mistakes but it’s these mistakes that will make them a stronger person, and it’s during these challenging times that their skills for surviving in the real world will be developed. 

Encourage Them to Keep Learning

This may mean finding opportunities for further education, looking for volunteer and job opportunities that will help them learn new skills, or simply encouraging them to read, explore new topics, and stay curious. No matter what path your child chooses after graduation, helping them find ways to continue learning will set them up for a lifetime of exploration and success.