Your kid is no longer a kid. Technically speaking, they are responsible for themselves. (Of course, you may still have to pick up the pieces from time to time.) You will feel them pull away as they drive to a first job, deposit a pay-check, or register to vote.
You will probably feel urgency in these last 52 weeks. As your young adult takes on more responsibility, they may also lean in relationally. They discover - especially late in the year - they need you a little bit more than they thought. All of a sudden, the decisions they face have very high stakes, like, "Will I date long-distance?"
In fact, it can drive you both a little crazy. Your young adult may mentally check out of high school long before they feel certain about what they want to do with their future. Even the most accomplished young adult will take a few years (and maybe some counselling) to figure this adult thing out. For now, just remember to focus on the next few months more than the next "rest-of-your-life."
Graduation is a crisis - for both of you. Sure it's exciting. It's a huge accomplishment. But something is about to change, and there's a good chance you aren't convinces they're ready. They might not be. And whether they seem to show it or not, your teen is probably just as concerned about that as you. You mobilise their potential when you help them to prepare, as best as possible, for what's coming.
You help them learn when you... ASK QUESTIONS.
You capture their heart when you ... CREATE VISION.
You coach their moral abilities when you ... FOCUS THEIR OPTIONS.
Your Year-12 teen may be preparing to transition - not only out of their school and your home but also potentially out of your church. When you talk with your young adult about what's next for them, include conversations about how they will find and serve in a faith community.
