Ohio Department of Education Families

During high school, your teen will become more independent and take more responsibility for his or her future. However, your teen still needs you as much as ever. Staying involved in your child's education during the transition to college or work is crucial to his or her success.

Tips for Helping Your Child Transition from High School to College or Work

1. Get in touch with your child's guidance counselor to find out what kind of college and career planning resources are available.
2. Ask your teen about her career and long-term education goals. Listen.
3. Ask your child what colleges he is interested in attending and why.
4. Ask your child what kind of help she needs planning for college, then listen.
5. Ask the school about opportunities to job shadow.
6. Attend college fairs and campus open houses with your child.
7. Help your child plan a budget for living expenses when he leaves for college or moves out on his own.
8. Teach your child about how credit cards work and how to avoid scams.
9. Talk to your child about health insurance and auto insurance.
10. Ask your child about stress factors in her life. Listen. Help her identify healthy coping techniques. 
11. Talk with your child about the attributes of a worker that are valuable to employers.
12.  Have a discussion about how to stay safe at college and when going to or from work.
13. Ask your teen how he plans to balance work, classes and social life when he is out on his own.