Continuing the journey of raising young adults:

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Psychologically, your daughter is to embark on a time of transition, although the shift may seem less striking than what occurred during her primary years. It is still a time of naivety, as she is considered an adult child with adult parents and carers. While approaching the legal recognition as an adult, growing experiences still present profound change. During these years, young women may obtain a level of training at work or education, providing her with the grass roots for future incomes and careers.

It is for many, a time of frequent change as various possibilities in love, work, and worldviews are explored (Erikson, 1968; Rindfuss, 1991).

According to researchers, compared with adolescents, young adults:

take longer to consider difficult problems before deciding on a course of action,
are less influenced by the lure of rewards associated with behaviour,
are more sensitive to the potential costs associated with behaviour, and
have better developed impulse control. (Cauffman et al., 2010)

Some things you can do to build a strong dynamic in your new relationship with your daughter:

Make it clear that you still hold to your rules and values, and that you expect your daughter to respect them.
Keep the lines of communication open. Welcome the opportunity to contribute to your daughter’s life and remind your daughter that she is still a part of your life, too.
Be willing to let your adult child turn to you for comfort when the responsibilities of independent living get a little overwhelming. Make it clear that you believe in her ability to cope with her life, but that you can empathize when she expresses a need to admit weakness.
Be receptive if your daughter is willing to talk about his plans, goals, and dreams. And, if she’s open to your input, offer guidance to help her create a strategy to achieve them. (Family Education, 2021)

Even though your young adult is exiting her secondary education, there is still valuable advice in SchoolTV for parents to keep lines of communication open and encourage self-advocacy as they enter the adult world. Pope Francis said the greatest influence on a child’s wellbeing is their family. The responsibility of parenting is becoming increasingly more complex and it is the most important job you will have in your life but the rewards are infinite.

While the students enter the final days of their external examinations, I have been impressed by the way these young women have approached the final chapter of their academic journey at the College. I look forward to meeting with you next week when we begin our formal celebrations to mark the end of your daughter’s journey at the College.

MEGAN'S PINK DAY

We had a beautiful morning tea for Megan to celebrate her very own Pink Day. The CEO of the hospital, Megan’s oncologist, specialist team and close friends were all at the event. The hosptial organised t-shirt tye dring, earring making, Grill'd burdges, Cowch desserts and much more! We hope Megan really enjoyed her special day.

Resources for parents/caregivers of school leavers:

You can find more information about caring for teenagers and support services for families at the links below.

Safer Schoolies website

Raising Children: Support services for families of teens

Raising Children: Relationships with parents and families – why teenagers need them

Head to Health: Supporting Young Adults

Head to Health: Supporting Family

Young people and their parents: Supporting families through changes that occur in adolescence

Australian Institute of Family Studies: Adolescent and parent relationships

ReachOut Parents: Effective communication and teenagers

ReachOut Parents: Balance trust and freedom with your teenager

School Transitions: Moving and Changing Schools, Starting at a New School – Family Education

References:

Chisholm & Hurlimann, 1995; William T. Grant Foundation Commission on Work, Family, and Citizenship, 1988 0018.tif (udayton.edu)

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK284787

Leaving school - Services Australia

P&FSN