2. Focus a few sessions on the real world. Most high school students have little idea about the day-to-day realities of the real world. Little things like getting a job and then actually working full-time can be a pretty sobering reality check for an 18-year-old. Consider sharing some of your own work history and stories with your students. Remind students that the entry-level job is where everyone begins. It’s going to be challenging. There’s going to be lots of filing, stapling, or asking, “Would you like fries with that?” But one day, if they continue to do good work, things will get better.

3. Talk about money. Almost every church talks about tithing, but how many churches talk about money? Most high school graduates have little working knowledge of finances, and while it would be nice to assume moms and dads are teaching kids how to balance their checkbooks, don't bank on it. Talk to your kids about money. Talk to them about credit cards, debt, the "great offers" that come in the mail, and insurance. Explain to them how a sale really isn’t saving money if it takes six months to pay off the credit card. Discuss financial issues from a biblical worldview, and throw in some practical tips on handling their funds.

4. Don't forget the family. The relationships between students and their parents naturally change after graduation. For some it becomes better, and for others it can get much worse.
An estimated 60 percent of high school graduates will move back home with mom and dad, and roughly 10 percent of adults ages 25 to 34 are still living with their parents.

Open up a discussion one week on living with mom and dad after graduation. Talk about healthy boundaries. Talk about respect. Talk about financial responsibility. Discuss how roles between parents and children change as children become adults. And remind students of the positive side of living with the 'rents. On top of the financial benefits, living at home affords many young people a time to renew their relationships with their parents. They can learn how to handle adult responsibilities—whether it's training a new dog or fixing a leak in the roof—with someone who has a little more experience. Remind students that living with mom and dad isn't so bad, after all.

5. Give them a realistic view of the Christian life. Upon graduation, many students will be given a choice for the first time about whether they go to church and pursue a relationship with God. While Christian camps and retreats provide great spiritual highs, authentic faith is developed in the day to day. Talk to your students about different denominations and churches. Let those who are moving away know that they may not find a church or group just like the one they’ve been at, but they can still find a great church to attend. Encourage them to continue growing in their relationship with Christ when they’re on their own.

The bottom line is to be real and authentic with your kids who, by the way, have now begun their journey as adults.