Helping to prepare your teen for life after high school is one of the most important tasks you will have as a parent. Although it can be difficult to imagine your baby as an adult, with the right approach, helping your teen make the transition into adulthood can also be rewarding.

Getting Started
For Deb Schertel, a veterinary technician from Farmington Hills, Michigan, communicating with her children about life after high school has been an ongoing process. She and her husband, Jack, have three children - John, 19; Kate, 17; and Sarah, 6.

"I've tried to expose them to a variety of things and let them see all the different opportunities there are for them," Deb says. For example, when Kate became interested in art but knew she didn't want to be a painter or sculptor, Deb took her on a tour of the Disney animation studios to demonstrate a less obvious artistic opportunity.

What if your teen is about to begin his junior year and you realize you haven't really spoken with him about his plans? Kenneth Kaplan, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, recommends approaching your teen casually to inquire about his plans. If your teen has an "I'll think about it later" attitude, gently remind him that now is the time to start preparing.