Not going to college is okay. Not having a plan is not Okay.

College is not for everyone.  Success looks differently for everyone, and the end goal is not a college diploma but rather the ability to survive and thrive independently of parents.  So, if your child is not interested in college, do not fret.  Still have your adult child sit down to create a plan and timeline for what they will be doing instead of college.

As a parent, the milestone of high school graduation can be exciting beyond measure!  Finally, your child is launching into adulthood and your job as raising them for the last 18 years is coming to a close.  If after graduation there is no plan though, then we are setting everyone up for friction and failure.  Validate your child not going to college.  That’s totally okay!  Ask them what their plan is instead.  If they don’t have a plan, help them create one immediately.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Why is creating a plan time sensitive?  Well, now that they are no longer in high school there is a lot of free time for them to just hang out.  It could be with friends, or it could be without friends.  It could be playing video games, sleeping, eating, and/or binge watching Netflix.  Certainly you may give them a little wiggle room and allow them to unwind for one week after high school graduation, however if there is no plan in place for them to get a job, save money, and move out, you are going to soon be stuck dealing with a 18+ year-old toddler.

If you want a basement dweller, then disregard all the advice listed above. If you don’t take this seriously, you will blink and have a 30-year-old still living in your home. Sound terrifying? I hope so!

Help your loved one launch by creating a plan today. Do not waste another moment in establishing the roles, rules, and the options.  And if they get frustrated or freak out every time you try to talk to them about what their plans are, when there is no plan created, it’s time to hire a professional to come in and help you hold the boundaries and get your child out of the house.

For questions or comments contact Joanna.