Graduation & Prom Season

Graduating from High School, College or University can be a stressful time for new graduates as they transition into a new phase of life. Managing this transition for a parent or a graduate can be difficult but there is help available.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can decrease stress around graduation time and feel more prepared and supported during this transition.

Planning Ahead

Planning ahead can help reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition after graduation. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed before and after graduation, such as applying for jobs or applying for further education. Setting realistic goals and creating a timeline for completing these tasks can help you feel more in control and reduce stress.

Practice Self Care

Taking care of yourself is important during times of stress. Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Make sure to also get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms such as excessive drinking or drug use.

Connecting with Others

Graduation can be an emotional time, and connecting with loved ones can help reduce stress and provide a support system. Plan a graduation party or celebration, or reach out to friends and family for emotional support.

Seeking Career guidance

Graduating can be an uncertain time, and seeking career guidance can help reduce stress and provide direction. Consider meeting with a career counselor or attending a job fair to explore career options and gain insight into the job market.

Manage Expectations

It’s important to manage expectations around graduation time. Not everyone lands their dream job immediately after graduation, and it’s important to be realistic about the job market and the process of finding employment. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out right away, and be open to taking on different opportunities and experiences.

Taking Breaks

It’s important to take breaks and allow yourself time to relax and recharge. Whether it’s taking a walk outside or reading a book, taking time for yourself can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Parents can play a key role in helping their teens avoid peer pressure related to prom and graduation parties. Guiding them with safety and love in mind. Here are six helpful tips to supporting your young adult during life’s transitional periods.

Open Communication

It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your teen about the potential risks of prom and graduation parties. Discuss the dangers of underage drinking and drug use, and encourage your teen to make responsible choices.

Clear Expectations

Make your expectations clear to your teen about what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. Let them know that you do not condone underage drinking or drug use, and that you expect them to make responsible choices.

Offer Alternatives

Offer your teen alternative activities or events to attend that are safe and alcohol-free. This can help them feel included while avoiding the pressure to engage in risky behaviors.

Monitoring Plans

Stay informed about your teen’s plans for prom and graduation parties. Know who they will be with, where they will be going, and what time they will be coming home.

Consider chaperoning

Consider volunteering to chaperone prom or graduation parties. This can help ensure that the event is safe and that your teen is not exposed to dangerous situations.

Be Available

Let your teen know that you are available to talk and offer support if they are feeling pressured or uncomfortable. Encourage them to call you if they need help or want to leave a situation.

By communicating openly, setting clear expectations, and offering alternatives, parents can help their teens avoid peer pressure related to prom and graduation parties. Monitoring their plans, considering chaperoning, and being available for support can also help ensure that these events are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Educate yourself

Before talking to your teen about peer pressure, take some time to educate yourself on the risks and consequences of underage drinking and drug use. This will help you communicate more effectively and provide accurate information to your teen.

Ask open-ended questions

Instead of lecturing your teen, ask open-ended questions to encourage them to think critically about their choices. For example, you could ask, “How do you think drinking alcohol or using drugs at prom could affect your future?” or “What strategies do you have in place to resist peer pressure?”

Sharing Real-Life Examples

Sharing real-life examples of the consequences of underage drinking or drug use can help your teen understand the seriousness of the issue. For example, you could share news articles about teens who have been injured or killed in drunk driving accidents.

Reinforce your values

Let your teen know that your values include making responsible choices and avoiding risky behaviors. Reinforce the idea that they are capable of making good choices, and that you trust them to do so.

By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, educating yourself, asking open-ended questions, using real-life examples, and reinforcing your values, you can effectively communicate with your teen about the risks and consequences of peer pressure related to prom and graduation parties. This can help them make responsible choices and avoid dangerous situations.

Creating a Safe Space

Create a safe and non-judgmental space: When discussing sensitive topics such as underage drinking or drug use, it’s important to create a safe and non-judgmental space where your teen feels comfortable expressing themselves. Avoid being critical or dismissive of their concerns, and listen actively to what they have to say.