Now that your teen has graduated, he might think he's all grown up and ready to take on the world. What a great opportunity for your family to reassess some of the house rules, such as curfews and driving! Your child likely still needs your help to make the right choices along the way, even though he thinks he's old enough to run his own life.

Your teen may be preparing for college, a new job or apartment, the military, or time off to decide about her future. No matter what this next step involves, your high school grad will crave more independence. You and your teen may want to establish new guidelines and expectations, but remain firm when it comes to rules about alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. This stage of your teen's life is a perfect time to discuss sticking to her previous promises to avoid risky behaviors. Now that your teen is getting older, remind her that, along with severe health risks, substance use can lead to a whole new level of legal troubles.

Teens who leave for college, vocational school, or basic training; move out on their own; or travel for a few months are more likely to be tempted to try marijuana, alcohol, or other substances. Temptations and opportunities abound for him to explore. Maintain a strong presence in your teen's life, even if he's not living under your roof. Check in by phone and e-mail and ask questions about what's going on in his life. Even from a distance you can let him know you are always there for him and continue to influence his choices, thereby lowering the odds that he'll abuse his newfound freedom.

During this transitional period, your teen may meet new people and make new friends. Watch for any behavioral changes that might indicate that her new peers are not a good influence. While you don't want to be too quick to judge, it's a good idea to be wary of signs of drug use among her new crowd. Periods of change in a teen's life can make her more likely to cave in to peer pressure, but her family still has the most impact on her decisions and behavior.¹

The times, and the family, they are a-changing. Yes, your baby is on the edge of adulthood, and now you have to adjust the way you interact with one another. While he is changing and evolving, so is your parent-child relationship. Welcome your teen into his adult years by recognizing his independence and staying approachable. He is more likely to respect your advice and intervention if he doesn't feel controlled and restricted. When he sees that he's being treated like a responsible adult under certain circumstances, he'll rise to the challenge.

For more information about conquering and even enjoying the postgraduation era, check out:

Career Voyages

College Safety

Ready for College and Ready for Work: Are They the Same or Different?, National Parent Teacher Association

Parents of Young Adults, USA.gov

Sources

¹ Penn State University. 1/27/03. Teens Prefer Talking to Mom About Drug Use Topics, last referenced 7/12/07.

Additional Resources

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. High-Risk Drinking in College: What We Know and What We Need To Learn

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. Binge Drinking in Adolescents and College Students

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Alcohol Use and Risks Among Young Adults by College Enrollment Status