After years of dedication and hard work, the time has finally come for when your high school student graduates. For parents, this exciting milestone may feel bittersweet—whether your kid is entering the workforce or going to college, graduation signifies the end of a chapter.
Adjusting to that change isn’t always easy. Fortunately, a few steps could help you and your child prepare for the future as they take their first steps into adulthood.
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Celebrate Them
Graduating high school is no easy feat. Your child has spent countless hours studying, writing, taking exams, and going to classes to earn their diploma. They probably have a lot of work ahead of them as they enter the next phase of their lives.
Before those new challenges and responsibilities begin, it’s crucial to recognize this accomplishment. Depending on your child’s preferences, a graduation party could be a great way to celebrate. They may want to spend time with friends, family, and others who have helped make the last four years memorable.
If they prefer a more casual celebration, you could have a family dinner or give them a special gift. They’ll only graduate high school once, so it’s important to make the moment memorable.
Help Them Prepare For The Next Step
Whether your graduate plans to start college, find a job, enroll in trade school, or even take a gap year, they’re on the cusp of a major change. Your support could provide them with extra confidence in navigating the next steps.
Soon after graduation, your child may have some practical needs, like documentation for school or work. Ensure they have all legal IDs, health insurance information, and necessary medical records. If they’re moving away, you could help them develop a packing list.
If they’re beginning to apply for jobs, you could practice interview skills with them. Check in with them—ask what kind of help they need and provide support where possible.
Assess Your Family Finances
As your household changes, your family’s financial needs will likely change too. You may want to upgrade your budget to reflect new expenses associated with your child’s college education or remove costs like high school sports fees.
If your kid is moving, your grocery list may change; if they’re staying home, you may expect them to contribute more financially.
Parents with a permanent life insurance policy like whole life insurance or universal life insurance might take this opportunity to reevaluate their coverage or consider using some of the cash value to help pay for college.
Invest In Quality Time Together
Spending extended periods of time with your kid may become challenging as their life changes. So, the summer after they graduate high school can be a good opportunity to get some extra quality time together. With a family vacation, you could reward your graduate’s efforts and build lasting memories.
You can also take up a hobby together or work on a project throughout the summer. Even if you just sit down for family dinners and have open conversations about hopes and fears for the future, you and your child will cherish the time you spend together.
High School Student Graduates – The Bottom Line
Graduating high school can bring about a lot of change. You can make the transition easier by focusing on practical matters, like the family budget, as well as the personal and emotional changes that graduation may bring.
No matter your child’s plans for the future, it’s important to show them you recognize their hard work and that you’re here to help them along their journey.
The primary purpose of permanent life insurance is to provide a death benefit. Using permanent life insurance accumulated value will reduce the death benefit and may affect other aspects of the policy.
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