Today’s episode is very special to me. My firstborn son graduated from high school this week and it’s been a rollercoaster of emotion as we prepare to send him off to college in the fall. In addition to that big adjustment, my family is making a huge move from Florida to New Jersey this summer. Needless to say that I am up to my elbows in packing material and tissues as I burst into spontaneous tears more frequently as the days go on. Twelve years ago, we moved to our Florida home, and almost immediately, our boys made friends in the neighborhood. Little did we know back then that these would be friendships that would last a lifetime. It started out as six boys (who I lovingly refer to as the “six-pack”) and then over the past twelve years, the group grew to include several more. I’ve watched these kids grow up together through elementary school, then middle school, and finally high school. Some will be headed in the same direction this fall (Go Knights! Charge On!) and others will take a different path. As a gift to me, I asked this gang of high school grads to join me for this episode. We talk about their high school experience, what they wish was different about the past four years, and the stress they endured. Be sure to listen to the end as they offer their advice to incoming freshman and their parents.
Just a quick note for my listeners… this will be my last podcast episode until Fall. I will be packing up my microphone along with the contents of our home and moving it all to NJ this summer and I will return in September. I’ll be on social media here and there but not much. I am actually looking forward to a bit of a disconnect for a while. Please know I will still be available by email. It might just take me a little bit to reply. So feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear how things are going with you and your teens. Now, please enjoy this conversation with my favorite high school graduates.
Episode Highlights
Biggest fears about your future
Adulting – ready or not, here you come
Did high school prepare you for the future?
The effects of COVID on your high school experience
What would you change about high school?
High school stress – the struggle is real
Social media – friend or foe?
Advice for parents of incoming freshman
What do you want your parents to know?