The weeks leading up to A-level results can be an emotional time for both young people and their parents. But once results day has passed, a new mix of emotions can emerge: relief, pride, uncertainty and anxiety about what comes next.
Whether your young person is heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, beginning a new job or taking another path, moving into the next stage of life can bring excitement as well as challenges.
As a parent, you can play an important role in helping them navigate this transition while also looking after your own wellbeing.
Start the conversation
A new chapter can bring lots of questions and worries. Your young person might be excited about the future but also nervous about leaving home, meeting new people, managing new responsibilities or making the right choices.
Managing your own reactions while offering steady, calm support during this transition can be challenging, but it’s an important part of helping your teen navigate and plan the next stage of their journey with confidence.
Make space for them to talk about how they’re feeling, without putting pressure on them to have everything figured out. Make sure they feel heard – give them space to share what’s on their mind and validate their feelings as they navigate this transition. Listen, acknowledge their feelings. Focus on the positives but also acknowledge their concerns. Reassure them that it is completely normal to experience a mix of emotions.
Help them build their independence
This next stage is an opportunity for your young person to develop important life skills. Encourage them to take responsibility for things like managing money, planning their time, cooking, shopping and keeping on top of everyday tasks, whilst offering support when they need it.
You don’t have to step back completely. Offering support while giving them the opportunity to work things out for themselves can help build their confidence and independence.
Talk about mental health and wellbeing
Starting something new can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. If they’re going to university, they may experience:
- Homesickness and missing family and friends
- Anxiety about meeting new people or fitting in
- Feeling overwhelmed by academic pressures or social events
- Challenges around living with new people
- Pressure to make the most of their experience
For those starting work, an apprenticeship or another career path, there can be different pressures, such as adapting to a new environment, meeting expectations or finding their place in a new team.
Try to make conversations about wellbeing feel natural. Everyday moments, such as shopping, travelling or preparing for their next step, can provide opportunities to check in without making it feel like a formal conversation.
Look after your own wellbeing too
It’s natural to feel a mixture of pride, excitement, worry and sadness as your young person moves into this next chapter. If they’re leaving home, you may also experience feelings associated with an ’empty nest’, including loneliness or a sense of loss.
Give yourself permission to acknowledge these feelings and make time for the things that support your own wellbeing. Staying connected with friends and family, returning to old interests or trying something new can all help you adjust to changes in your routine.
Remember, looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It can help you feel more able to support your young person too.
Know where they can find support
It’s important that young people know where they can turn if things become difficult.
If they’re going to university, their university website will have information about student support services. UCAS also provides information about getting support as a student, while Student Space offers information about mental health and wellbeing support at universities in England and Wales.
If your young person has existing mental health or additional needs, encourage them to find out about available support as early as possible. It can also help to talk together about what they could do and who they could contact if they start to struggle.
Most importantly, remind them that they don’t have to have everything worked out straight away. Starting a new chapter takes time, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way.
