7 Things To Do Before Your Teen Graduates High School

There are plenty of easy things you can do to prepare your teen for the future while they're still in high school (and even if they've already graduated), like learning more about a meningitis B vaccination (a vaccination your teen may have missed!).

"Ask2BSure” is a public health awareness program sponsored by GSK.

Senior year can be a stressful (and exciting) time anticipating all of the big changes your teen has ahead of them. But thankfully, there are a few things you can do as a parent to make the transition to adulthood a little easier. Here are some tips for helping your teen stay on track before (or even after) they've graduated high school:

1. Help them determine what they're doing next.

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Though your teens don't need to know what they're doing for the rest of their lives right now, it is helpful for them to lock down their next big step. Are they starting college in the summer or fall? Getting a full-time job? Taking time off to travel abroad? Talk through it and help support them to give them a future to get excited about! 

2. Make sure their doctor's appointments and vaccinations are up to date.

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While they’re still under your roof, it’s a great time to schedule a wellness visit with their doctor to check in and ensure they’re healthy and up to date on vaccinations that could help protect them as they move to their next phase of life (apartment living, college etc.!). Meningococcal disease, known as meningitis, is one to have on your radar, and while it is uncommon, it can cause life-threatening complications, or even death. Many parents aren’t aware that there are two different types of meningitis vaccinations needed to help protect against the five vaccine-preventable groups of the disease. While many teens have received a vaccination for meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y when they were younger, there is a separate vaccination specifically for group B, or meningitis B—that they may miss. If you’re not sure if your child has received this vaccination, plan to “Ask2BSure” about meningitis B vaccination and if it’s right for them at their next visit. Visit Ask2BSure.com to find out more.

3. Make exercise and getting enough sleep a priority.

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Life's about to become even more chaotic for your teen after they go to college or start a new job — so it's important they actively begin caring for their health now rather than later. Help them establish positive habits like getting exercise and plenty of sleep and consider talking to them about any personal concerns they may have as they enter this new phase of their life.

4. Discuss finances with your teen.

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There's a lot your teen can learn about money. Teach them how to save and budget now and be open about your own financial situation so they can know what works and avoid any mistakes you wish you could change.

5. Teach your teen basic life skills like cooking and cleaning.

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If they don't already know how to make a meal or do laundry, now's the time to show them how it's done. This will lead them down a path of independence that'll come in handy their entire life.

6. Take a dorm room or apartment shopping trip.

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If your teen is moving out within the next few months, they'll need a lot to get started — so take them shopping! You'll be surprised how many little things they'll need when they're out on their own.

7. Spend more time as a family.

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You and your teen are going to miss those fun times you got to spend together, so prioritize making every moment count. Have you been pushing off a family dinner or trip? Do it now!