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High school graduation is upon us and many bright eyed seniors are looking forward to that day when they will officially no longer be in high school. Upon the horizon? College.

Many high school students have it set in their minds what they are planning to major in. That particular topic that one day will provide them a lucrative career.

The key word there is “lucrative.”

With the state of the current economy many high school students are changing their intended majors because they feel that what they originally wanted to pursue won’t earn them enough money or be as secure as another profession.

Susan Posluszny, the founder of OPTIONS for Career & Life Planning posed a number of questions that you should ask your graduating senior in order to see “if this decision was made based on accurate career information and reflection about personal priorities or based on a knee jerk reaction to current economic conditions.”

Below are just a few of the questions that Posluszny suggests you ask your teen.

• What was it that drew you to your original college major choice of political science?
• What kind of work were you thinking of getting into related to political science and did you ever speak with anyone employed in this area of interest?
• How do those who work in political science careers deal with the instability that comes with unpredictable voting outcomes and job market fluctuations?

Posluszny states that if from the answers to these questions you determine that your teen isn’t as informed as they should be steer them to find out if their assumptions about specific careers is accurate. Encourage your teen to “consider scenarios that support exploration of these two interest areas over time.” This may include a major in one interest but taking a few classes from another interest.

If you want to read the rest of the questions that Posluszny suggests you ask check out this article.

As a parent with a teenager preparing to go off to college there is plenty of advice I am sure you are anxious to give. However according to Suzanne Shaffer from the blog Parents Countdown to College Coach there are 10 concepts that your teen should know before they ever step foot onto a college campus.

1. Consequences: Actions have consequences whether they are good or bad.
2. Self Respect: If teens respect themselves they are less likely to seek approval from others.
3. Rules: Following the rules is a source of protection not a restriction.
4. Communication: Open communication is the key to good relationships.
5. Self Reliance: When given responsibly teens have a greater opportunity to learn how to make wise choices.
6. Gratitude: Teach your child to work for what they want; they will be more productive adults.
7. Boundaries: Help your child to know what is expected of them. Boundaries give them a feeling of stability and a feeling of safety.
8. Self-Control: Having the ability to stay calm in a frustrating situation will greatly help your teen with their interactions with others.
9. Consistency: With actions there are consequences be sure to be consistent with your teen to help them to know what to expect.
10. Praise: Give praise liberally; less frequently than criticism.

Teaching your teens these concepts will allow them a much more positive experience as they enter college. They will be able to transition much more easily into the world of being an adult.

If you would like to read more about these concepts then be sure to check out this article.