Are you searching for just the right gift for a graduate in your life? Consider giving high-school or college grads something they will cherish for years to come—a “YOU Gift.” It’s free and it will make this season special. Here are five suggestions:

• Express value. Graduates are under a lot of pressure. They’re adults now but they may not have every detail of their future in place. (We don’t either, right?) One way to encourage them is to tell them the positive qualities and skills you see in them. Resist offering advice but instead, affirm them. You just might guide them into the right path for study and career.
• Ask them for advice. This is a very creative generation! They are thinkers and they are passionate and compassionate. They see life differently from older adults and have creative ways of solving problems.
• Get healthy together. Take a walk or go to the gym together. Chat about healthy foods over dinner. If they get on a good health track now, chances are they’ll make good choices when they’re on their own.
• Listen to them. They want to be heard. Ask for their opinions without interjecting your own. And you will learn too!
• Pray for them. Studies show young adults believe in God, believe in heaven, and believe in prayer. Ask them how you can pray for them. And definitely pray they make good choices and follow God with their lives.

Janet McHenry

50 Life Lessons For Grads

Janet McHenry is the author of 24 books, including the bookstore bestselling 50 Life Lessons for Grads. A mom of four college grads and a former high school English teacher and academic advisor, she still keeps score at the home basketball games and loves hanging out with young people. More about her writing and speaking can be found at https://www.janetmchenry.com.