How you can help your kid find a job in a recession

[Ed. note: This belongs to our series of posts featuring tips for recent grads from LinkedIn users. Bruce Biskin, PhD is a career planning and assessment expert, and senior associate with Delaware Valley Career Solutions. He also co-administers a job/career resource wiki in Bucks County, PA]

Soon, tens of thousands of college seniors will flip their tassels and complete--at least for now--their formal higher education. And the current recession means more of them ever before will still be looking for that first job after graduation, and it may not be the one that they and their parents expected would launch their careers. But the market is not as bleak as the unemployment reports would suggest. There are many things that parents can do to help new grads and I will suggest a few that pertain primarily to parents.

But first I have a suggestion to those readers who know parents who struggle with (or ignore) the fact that their grad has really grown up. (I know you are not one of them.) Gently remind them that, "college graduates are responsible adults--even when they are your kids". Because if they forget, they may find that their good intentions may do more long-term harm than good. If you believe they might struggle to suspend parental authority, you might even suggest that they adopt a mantra like, "My child is a college graduate. My child is a responsible adult." It works!

So, what can parents do to help? Here are five of my top choices.

1. Set and agree to ground rules like, "you can move in for three months rent free, then you pay $XXX rent/month." Every situation is different and the rules may need to be negotiated as time goes by.

2. Challenge your grads to come up with plans and solutions. Provide information and suggestions that you think would be helpful in a job search. Then let them finalize the plan. Always collaborate. Share your opinions, but don't be condescending. If you disagree with their decisions, let them know what you think, but as long as the ground rules are not violated, support the plan.

3. Become a link in their job search network. If you are reading this, you probably have a network on LinkedIn. Offer your child the opportunity to become another connection into your network. At least suggest they join LinkedIn.

4. Tell you children you love them--regularly. If you or they are uncomfortable sharing feelings through words, at least show it in your eyes and your smile.

5. Suggest expert help. If the job search is going smoothly, great! If not, consider suggesting seeking out the help of a professional career counselor or coach.