As high school seniors eagerly await their college acceptance letters, a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety fills the air. Whether they applied through Early Decision or are anxiously awaiting results from regular applications, the question looms: Are they truly ready for this next big step? As parents, it’s crucial to strike a balance between letting go and ensuring they are prepared for the challenges ahead. Here’s a helpful checklist of what your teens should know before they embark on their college journey, with several months left to prepare.
1. Advocating for Themselves
If you’re still reaching out to teachers or administrators on their behalf, it’s time to step back. Self-advocacy is an essential skill; they need to understand how to ask for what they require, whether it’s help with difficult coursework, joining a closed class, or addressing issues like roommate conflicts. Encourage them to communicate effectively and listen actively—negotiation skills will serve them well. They should feel comfortable approaching authority figures and articulating their needs.
2. Navigating Travel Independently
Your teen should be equipped to handle local travel on their own, whether it’s navigating public transport or planning a simple outing. If they need to fly to college, they must know what steps to take if things go awry, like missed flights. If they have access to a car, they should learn basic maintenance skills, such as changing a tire. Researching transportation options at their college, like shuttles or car-sharing services, will also empower them to travel confidently.
3. Staying Safe and Healthy
Campus safety is paramount, and while they can’t prepare for every situation, they can be proactive. Discuss the importance of being aware of their surroundings and researching the safety measures at their college. They should know how to access help, walk in groups at night, and understand campus safety systems. Additionally, they must learn about managing their health, including how to fill prescriptions and find medical resources.
4. Mastering Laundry
Your teen will have to fend for themselves when it comes to laundry—don’t assume they know how! Take the time to teach them the ins and outs of washing clothes, including sorting, detergent use, and machine settings. Equip them with laundry supplies, and let them take charge of this essential task.
5. Cooking Basic Meals
While meal plans might lessen the need for cooking, your teen should still possess fundamental kitchen skills. Teach them how to prepare simple meals, like scrambled eggs or sandwiches. They should feel confident enough to whip up something satisfying when hunger strikes and no one else is around.
6. Financial Management
Before they head off to college, ensure your teen knows how to handle their finances. Discuss budgeting and prioritization, making it clear what expenses will be covered by you and which will fall on them. They should grasp the importance of managing costs for things like transportation home or textbooks—prioritize necessities over luxuries.
7. Building Resilience
Failure is an inevitable part of the college experience, so prepare your teen for setbacks. Teach them that challenges are opportunities for growth, and instill the importance of perseverance. Fostering resilience will help them navigate the ups and downs of their academic journey.
Once you’ve covered these essential skills, remind your teen to keep the lines of communication open—whether it’s calling, texting, or sending a quick message home. Staying connected will ease the transition for both of you.
In summary, preparing your teen for college involves equipping them with self-advocacy skills, travel independence, safety awareness, practical life skills, financial literacy, and resilience. The more prepared they are, the easier their transition will be. For more insights on parenting and preparing for college, check out our other articles. If you’re interested in related topics, you might find our post on fertility and family planning useful as well.