How to Help Your Child Transition After Graduating

Graduation is a very exciting and emotional time, it marks a momentous achievement in a young adults’ life and is often a hard goodbye. As a parent it can be hard to watch your child in times of such instability. Here are a few ways you can help your new grad:rnIf possible keep your child on your insurance plan. Prior to Obama’s health care reform you could only do this up until the age of twenty-two and only if they were enrolled in school but the policy has been extended to the age of twenty-six regardless of student status. This will save them money and give them better coverage. You can add them to your plan even if they were on a university health plan just make sure you’ve completed the correct paperwork. Help them build credit. Instead of co-signing to help your child get a credit card get a secured credit card which requires a cash deposit, they’ll then be able to spend up to that amount. It is important that they build credit in order for them to ever be able to get a loan which is needed for any big purchase that they’ll inevitably have to make in the near future. Make a loan. Low interest rates make this an easy time to loan your children money. You have to be willing to take the risk of losing the money but if you set up a payment plan and trust your children it can be a great way to offer your child some financial help while teaching them about fiscal responsibility. Ask your grad how you can help. Your child may just need help building a resume or establishing resume skills. Don’t just assume they’ll be hitting you up for money and don’t overwhelm them with advice. Remember the job market is especially daunting for new grads so don’t assume that they aren’t taking the task of establishing an adult life seriously, they may know more than you think. Suggest a visit to the campus career center. University career centers are valuable yet often untapped resource centers that exist for the purpose of helping your kid find a job. Many schools have websites and phone lines also available to help if your child doesn’t live nearby their alma mater. Offer any networking contacts that may benefit them. By helping them to network you are opening up many more opportunities for them, and helping them in a very productive way. Prepare yourself for changes in life paths. It is likely that your new grad may be coming up with new ideas for their future. If they’re plan isn’t working out as they like they may have to be flexible in order for them to more forward on their career path. Don’t get frustrated with them for changing their mind, simply offer your support and advice.rnLook and listen for signs of depression. It can be really hard for a graduate who is used to a busy and social lifestyle to have to move back home especially if they are having a hard time finding a career. Remind them that the job market is sure to get better and that you are proud of them for their accomplishments. Don’t assume they’re immune from depression.