As your teen navigates the exciting yet challenging transition toward adulthood, you can play a crucial role in supporting their personal development and college readiness. This guide explores various strategies to empower your teen in six key areas: Personal Awareness, Academic Acumen, Career Visioning, College Readiness, and Experience Independence.
To download the complete Launch Checklist and Strategies for Launch – CLICK HERE!
Join Laura for a live Webinar with ADDitude Magazine on March 28th at 1pm EST – Building a College-Readiness Timeline for Teens with ADHD
Personal Awareness: Building a Strong Foundation
- Goal Setting and Self-Discovery: Encourage your teen to set personal goals and reflect on their achievements and areas for growth. Help them identify their strengths and explore ways to leverage them in various settings.
- Healthy Sleep Habits: Discuss the importance of sleep for cognitive function, mood, and overall health. Collaborate on establishing a regular sleep schedule and promote good habits like limiting caffeine intake in the evenings.
- Cultivating Independence: Empower your teen to take charge of their daily routines, including mornings and evenings. This includes setting alarms, managing time for adequate sleep, and developing a wind-down process before bed.
- Managing Personal Appointments: Guide your teen in scheduling their own appointments, such as doctor checkups and dental care. Teach them about responsible self-care and navigating public transportation if they don’t drive.
- Financial Literacy: Involve your teen in managing a bank account. Teach them about saving, checking, debit cards, and credit card use. Use their allowance or part-time job earnings to introduce budgeting and discuss responsible financial planning.
- Screen Time and Digital Citizenship: Foster open conversations about responsible technology use and social media etiquette. Educate them on digital footprint, privacy settings, and online behavior that reflects their values.
Academic Acumen: Building on a Strong Foundation
- Self-Advocacy and Communication: Encourage your teen to communicate effectively with teachers and counselors. Discuss strategies for seeking help, asking questions, and advocating for their needs.
- Academic Planning and Graduation Requirements: Review graduation requirements together and discuss course selections that align with their interests and goals. Explore electives and advanced courses that could spark new passions or strengthen college applications.
- Digital Literacy and Organization: Equip your teen with tools to manage their emails and calendars. Introduce organizational apps to help them manage assignments, set reminders, and organize study materials.
- Supporting Independence in Managing Schoolwork: Encourage your teen to regularly check grades and understand assignment feedback. Work together to develop a study schedule that allows for adequate preparation and adjust as needed.
Career Visioning: Exploring Possibilities
- Exposure to Diverse Career Paths: Discuss your own career path to provide a realistic perspective on the working world. Encourage job shadowing or informational interviews with professionals in fields that interest your teen.
- Enhancing Employability: Support your teen in obtaining certifications or developing skills that can improve their resumes, such as CPR/First Aid, computer software proficiency, or relevant vocational skills.
- Building Work Experience: Encourage part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer roles that align with their interests. Help them prepare for job interviews with mock interviews and discussions on professional attire and behavior.
College Readiness: Choosing the Right Fit
- Finding the Right College: Discuss the importance of finding a college that fosters not just academic success but also their well-being. Consider factors like mental health resources, campus culture, and support for any specific needs.
- College Exploration: Explore colleges together through virtual tours, information sessions, or even campus visits if possible. This will give your teen a firsthand feel for different college environments.
Experience Independence: Fostering Growth
- Independent Activities: Encourage experiences that promote independence, such as summer programs, travel opportunities, or staying with relatives without parental supervision. Discuss these experiences with your teen to understand their learnings and how they tackled challenges.
- Developing Grit and Resilience: Talk about the importance of stepping outside their comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and learning from failures. Celebrate their efforts and perseverance alongside achievements, reinforcing the value of hard work and resilience.
Understanding College Academics and Finances
- Exploring Potential Majors: Research potential majors and their corresponding career paths. Discuss how their interests align with academic and professional goals.
- Financial Planning for College: Have open conversations about the financial aspects of college, including tuition, scholarships, and loans. If applicable, discuss family contributions and student loan expectations.
