Is Your High School Senior Graduating? 5 Essential Reads for Them and 5 for You

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Updated: Aug. 3, 2016
Originally Published: May 19, 2005

Gone are the days of clutching that well-worn copy of What to Expect the Toddler Years. It’s been a while since you’ve grabbed a parenting manual, hasn’t it? But now that both you and your teen have navigated the choppy waters of high school, it’s time to dive into this new chapter. For you, it may feel like your nest is starting to empty, while for them, it’s the moment to spread their wings. Don’t worry; whether you need a refresher on parenting or they need a crash course on adulthood, I’ve got a list of must-reads for both of you.

5 Essential Books for the High School Graduate

1. The ABCs of Adulthood: An Alphabet of Life Lessons by Clara James and Ryan Mendez
   Born from a viral article penned for her graduate, this book is filled with clever tips and practical wisdom, all accompanied by striking photography that brings each letter to life.
2. The College Experience: A Guide for Young Adults by Taylor Lawson
   Perfect for incoming college freshmen, this guide tackles everything from managing relationships and campus safety to tackling stress and building friendships. It’s a must-read for all first-time co-eds.
3. Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone: Advice Your Mom Would Give if She Thought You Were Listening by Ella Rivers
   Imagine if your mom’s best advice was condensed into a funny and relatable manual. This book serves up nearly 200 pages of no-nonsense life advice, humor, and a sprinkle of wisdom for those just entering adulthood.
4. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Max Reed
   This book covers all the things you never thought to ask about college life—from living with new roommates to managing finances and social dynamics. It’s honest and straightforward, which is just what your newly minted adult might need.
5. The Freshman Survival Guide: Soulful Advice for Studying, Socializing, and Everything In Between by Lila Martens and Ben Johnson
   Offering a unique blend of academic tips and emotional support, this guide helps students navigate their first year away from home, addressing both practical and soulful concerns.

5 Must-Read Books for Parents Sending Their Kids Off to College

1. From Mom to Me Again: How I Survived My First Empty-Nest Year and Reinvented the Rest of My Life by Lisa T. Harper
   Part memoir and part guide, Harper shares her journey of adapting to an empty nest with humor and sincerity. If you’re asking, “What now?” this book is tailor-made for you.
2. The Empty Nest: 31 Parents Tell the Truth About Relationships, Love, and Freedom After the Kids Fly the Coop by Sarah Thompson
   This collection of essays from 31 different authors provides a heartfelt glimpse into life after kids leave home, leaving you feeling inspired and relieved to know that there’s life beyond parenthood.
3. The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only—A Parent’s Guide to the New College Experience by Max Reed
   This guide is perfect for parents grappling with how to navigate their child’s first year at college. It covers everything from healthy communication to emotional support, making it essential reading for first-time college parents.
4. Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years, Fifth Edition by Claire Levin and Martin Treeger
   Highly recommended by many colleges, this comprehensive guide offers insights on encouraging independence in your young adult while knowing when to step in. It’s full of practical advice and is nearly 500 pages of knowledge.
5. The iConnected Parent: Staying Close to Your Kids in College (and Beyond) While Letting Them Grow Up by Barbara K. Hofer and Abigail Sullivan Moore
   In today’s hyper-connected world, this book tackles the balance of staying in touch while allowing your kids to grow. It’s a must-read for any modern parent navigating this new territory.

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In summary, as your high school senior prepares to step into the world of adulthood, these books offer valuable insights for them and for you as a parent navigating this new chapter. Both of you will find wisdom, humor, and support within the pages of these recommended reads.