The In Between

As August ends, many parents will send their "adults" off into the world. This transition varies for each family. During this time, you want to be their safety net while trusting their problem-solving and decision-making skills. Summer is ideal for delegating tasks, appointments, and time management while they’re still at home. Even if they roll their eyes or shrug, your guidance is noticed.

Whether your child is going to college or starting full-time work, they will face many changes. The University of Colorado Boulder identifies stress, anxiety, and depression as top health concerns for students. Colleges offer valuable resources like WellTrack, a multidisciplinary app available at many institutions. Learn about these services before they’re needed, and prepare a toolbox for potential crises. For those living independently for the first time, stressors are similar. Reassure them that it's okay if the first few months are challenging.

Sleep and meal planning are two major pillars of good health. These can be neglected in communal living with meal plans or when managing a food budget for the first time. Therefore, let your mini-adults take the lead on their meals before they head out on their own. Talk to them about their caffeine intake; excessive caffeine can cause heart palpitations, withdrawal headaches, and rare severe cardiac events. Both caffeine and alcohol disrupt sleep. Ensure your child knows not to mix Tylenol with alcohol, as combining acetaminophen with alcohol can cause severe liver and kidney damage.

Addressing sexual assault and domestic violence is crucial. Make sure your children never accept a drink they didn’t see poured, use a buddy system, and know they can call you anytime because their safety is paramount. This applies to both boys and girls. Emphasize that nothing is more important than their safety, and discuss peer pressure openly and frequently.

Some of these topics may be difficult to discuss; remember when you left your child little notes in their lunchbox? Maybe this year you can write them a little notebook of suggestions, from the banal (like how to do laundry) to the essential (like how to cook chicken fully). Then add all the more difficult challenges they may come across so they know you are aware of the social pressures they may be facing. Most importantly, remind them they are not facing these challenges alone.

Wishing all new graduates a successful leap into their next chapter.