Growing up is not always easy for children. It can be hard on parents, too. When your child has emotional and/or behavioral concerns, growing up may be more complicated.

Still, many parents of children with such concerns find it helpful to remember the "bottom line." You want your child to be as independent as possible. Independence in adult life (health care, employment, living, and recreation) takes preparation.

The process of growing up and becoming independent is sometimes called "transition." The term refers to the transition from adolescence to adulthood and is often used when your child is:

    •    Learning to be more independent
    •    Learning to manage his or her own health care
    •    Changing from pediatric to adult-oriented medical care
    •    Moving from school to work, post secondary schooling, or other aspects of adult life

Talking with your child about growing older and being independent can make the transition to becoming a teenager and young adult much easier.

In this training module,you will find tips to help prepare you and your child for the process of transition – when your child is younger, a teenager, and an adult.

Training modules are related to transition of youth with mental health needs at key developmental intervals:

1. Into primary school settings
2. From primary to elementary/middle school
3. From middle school to high school
4. From high school to higher education or independent living

 
For information on transition in other areas of your child’s life, contact the Federation of Families of South Carolina at 1-866-779-0402 or email info@fedfamsc.org.