This topic came up when we asked what parents want to learn more about. We love talking about this, as we know how very emotional this time can be for parents and kids equally. And understandably so! The transition after high school is a time of significant growth, excitement, and often uncertainty for both kids and parents. This new chapter brings fresh challenges as teens seek independence and begin to define their own paths, while parents face their own shifts, supporting from a distance and adjusting to new family dynamics.

Ultimately, this phase is about change - change that comes for the entire family as the structure they are used to is about to look different. So let’s look at what the cycle of change means for us and how we can use it to guarantee a positive impact moving forward.

There are many great models explaining the Cycle of Change - and we want to use the model used by iPEC, where we trained as coaches where we imagine the Cycle of Change as a “deck of cards" with four stages—Shuffle, Deal, Play the Game, and Toss In—each offering valuable insights to help both kids and parents embrace change with openness and resilience.

The Cycle of Change provides a roadmap for navigating this journey, offering both parents and kids a way to honor each stage, respect each other’s experiences, and move forward with mutual trust and understanding. Through this, families can embrace the new dynamics and continue to grow together, one step at a time.