EMPOWERING YOUR HIGHSCHOOLER

You’ve Got This!

High school is the beginning of a lot of change and preparation for the future. Whatever your high schooler chooses to do after high school graduation, life will begin to get real for them whether they choose college, military, or the workforce. It’s important that our children know that we believe in them and know they are capable of handling this coming future. This blog is full of ideas on how to empower your high schooler so that they feel equipped with life skills and independence even when results are not immediate or when mistakes are made.

Life skills may seem basic and common sensical, but that is not always the case. I think sometimes as adults we take for granted that our teens just know how to do things either because we’ve been doing it so long, or we assume they’re watching us. We are setting our teens up for success if we can equip them with some basics before they go off on their own. Also, it’s great to give them the opportunity to practice these skills in their own home with their support system close by in case they get in a pinch!

Life Skills and Benefits

Laundry This is a great place to start, as it is a quick lesson that doesn’t require too many steps.

Benefits

• Independence
• Accomplishment-This is one more thing I can do.
• Teaches natural consequences-When I do the laundry I have clean clothes, and the alternative.

Cooking This can be a fun venture. Ask your teen what they would like to learn to make and work together to create the dish. You can always start small. Identify something they enjoy eating that is also simple to make and start there.

Benefits

• Parent/Teen Bonding
• Accomplishment
• Independence

Making Plans If you find that your teen is asking to attend social outings two hours to 30 minutes before the event starts, this maybe helpful for your teen. This can be as simple as explaining to your teen the expectations and boundaries you have regarding their plans. It helps them to understand that what they choose to do also affects others in the family. They learn to think ahead and problem solve any obstacles that may come up.

Benefits

• Promotes organizational skills
• Requires forethought
• Teaches consideration for others involved

Money Management This can start as early as you feel your child is ready. We started with our oldest when he began receiving money for holidays and birthdays. We took it a step further when he turned 13 and selected a debit card for him to use. He did not have an official job or fixed expenses but it gave him the opportunity to learn the value/consequences of spending money. The money placed on the card was from gifts from birthdays or holidays, or jobs/chores he completed. A link below will provide more information regarding which debit card may work best for your family and the cost associated with it. We chose Green Light. At the time, the cost for the plan we chose was $7.99 per month. The card was reloadable. Money is placed on the card by the parents and updates are sent to the parent when purchases are made. Our son did use the card to make online purchases and experienced fraud. Green Light did replace the funds in a timely manner. If your child attempts to use the card and sufficient funds are not available, the card will be declined, and there are no charges associated.

Benefits

• Promotes budgeting and saving
• Teaches the value of a dollar
• Independence

Part Time Job Retail Stores, Food Industry, Life Guarding, Camp Counselor, Landscaping (mowing lawns), Babysitting, Animal Sitting

Benefits

• Independence
• Responsibility
• Time Management
• Enhances:
  • Relationship Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Self-Confidence
  • Self-Efficacy
  • Social Skills