Childhood’s filled with milestones. Children typically develop specific skills at certain ages, such as learning to talk between 12 and 18 months, and they’re ready to start school when they’re 5.
The teen years can be challenging. Some teens go through a rebellious phase while others concentrate on conventional landmarks, such as prom. While you may not be able to find the perfect prom date for your teen, there are ways you can prepare them for graduation. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure they’re ready to graduate.
Invest in your teen’s dental health.
Many people spend hundreds of dollars immortalizing their teen’s high school graduation with graduation photos. You’ll want to ensure your teen looks their best and looking after their dental health is the best way to ensure they have a confident smile.
Your dentist will clean your teen’s teeth and perform an oral exam. Whether digital X-rays reveal an injured tooth or a cavity that needs to be filled, your dentist in Surprise, AZ, can address your teen’s dental care needs. Invisible braces can straighten teeth long before graduation day. Your dentist can also handle dental emergencies, such as installing dental implants if your teen loses a tooth in an accident. Regular dental checkups ensure your teen has good oral hygiene and prevents oral health issues, such as gum disease.
Help your teen decide what comes after high school.
Help your teen plan for life after graduation by discussing their options. Perhaps they have their heart set on attending college and earning a bachelor’s degree. Taking your teen to colleges can help them choose the right program and school. Your teen may also be interested in attending a vocational school program to become a mechanic, plumber, or electrician. Ideally, you’ll help your teen start identifying options in their freshman or sophomore year so they can select appropriate courses to qualify for admission to postsecondary programs they’re considering.
Encourage your teen to join an honor society foundation. Your teen can use the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) website to learn about scholarships. Being an NSHSS member increases their scholarship opportunities and can help them secure other scholarships they can use to cover their tuition and living costs.
Tuition and living costs vary based on the type of institution. From 2019 to 2020, the average annual cost of tuition, room, board, and school fees at private for-profit institutions cost undergraduates more than $50,000. Discussing financial options, such as investing in a savings plan and applying for financial aid, ensure your teen understands how to access the money they need to pursue their post-secondary education.
Equip your teen with essential life skills.
Most high school grads are 18 or turn 18 within a few months of graduation. Once they’re 18, they’re an adult and should be capable of handling routine adult tasks, such as cooking meals and doing their laundry. If your teen moves out and doesn’t have any cooking skills, they may waste money on takeout food and suffer from poor nutrition. Ensuring they can cook essential dishes protects their physical and financial health.
You can also support your teen’s financial health by teaching them how to create and follow a budget. Whether your teen’s heading to college or entering the workforce, they’ll benefit from understanding how to manage their spending.
It’s helpful for your teen to learn to drive before graduating. They may need a vehicle to commute to work or school after graduation, and if they’re attending college, they may not have time to learn.
Preparing your teen for graduation involves ensuring they’ve taken appropriate steps to prepare for life after grade 12. They’ll look their best at their graduation if you invest in their dental care and benefit from learning how to cook, budget their money, and drive.