As a parent Have you prepared your child as you send them to college? Whether they’re heading someplace overseas, or in a different city, you should prepare them for adult life ahead of time. Make travel arrangements, talk finances, and have a conversation with them about the importance of being responsible. Going to college is a major achievement, but it’s also a major milestone that prepares the teen for adulthood. With all of our emphasis on academics and what it takes to get into college, essential life skills, such as how to do laundry, balance a checking account or cook a meal, have been overlooked.
Parents should talk about following topics before sending their children to college. The aim is to wash off their fear of living on their own, as well as instill a sense of responsibility. College life means more than partying and having fun 24/7.
Parents Teach Children Before going to College
Table of Contents
Talk finances to children before they sending to college
Before sending your kids off to college, you should talk about finances. Some parents can afford to provide support and pay for accommodation, food, and other expenses. Others don’t. Don’t be too strict and impose a spending limit. Let them manage on their own.
A credit card or a bank account should have a monthly amount. Talk to them and let them know that if they exceed that amount, they’ll have to manage on their own. This approach helps the child grow a sense of responsibility; they might even get a job, and leave off the money they make on their own.
Should the kids have their own credit card?
Many warn of the dangers of credit cards! But we should remember that most college students are adults who will be managing their own affairs in a few years. I find that encouraging prudent use of debt e.g., a credit card can help young people learn about disciplined debt management. But we don’t want our children running up enormous debt. You can help them by monitoring their credit card usage. Start with a low-limit card that can also earn them reward points and be sure to pay it off in full to avoid those high-interest charges.
Respect the privacy of child when they go to college
Parents have difficulties respecting their children’s privacy. It’s tough for them to see their offsprings go to college and calling them every single day. Talk to them about setting a schedule of how often they will call, or when they will call. Whether they’re thousands of miles away or they’re 1 hour away from home, chatting with them to ask how they’re doing or if they need anything is a good idea. Knowing that you are there for them and ready to listen to them gives a big security to child.
The importance of housework in college
Whether your kids will be living in a hostel or in a rented apartment, you should have conversation about doing housework. Apart from cleaning and doing the laundry, they should also learn about paying monthly bills. Since most students don’t know much about such responsibilities, parents should discuss this aspect in more detail.
Talk about making friends in college
Going to college is an opportunity for kids to make new friends and develop strong relationships. But as a parent, you should teach them to be careful. Not everyone they’ll meet will become their friend. They should be extremely careful with whom they bond.
They should learn to say No. It will be tempting for them to ditch college and choose to travel and party all night long but does it make sense when they have a test next day? People of all ages experience peer pressure. Children often give in to peer pressure because they feel they have no other choice if they want to have friends. But you can let your child know that it’s not all or nothing and suggest a couple of ways to compromise. As a parent, you can help your child deal with peer pressure and make good choices at every age and stage. Allow your kids to experiment, but tell them doing drugs or drinking too much alcohol might come in the way of their academic success.
Getting a job or landing an internship while in college
Getting a job or doing an internship program helps shape your kids- both on a mental and on a physical level. It will be easier for them to understand what adult life is all about, not to mention that they’ll appreciate the value of money in a whole different way. Internships in a domain related to their specialty in school are highly recommended. Be there for them as it won’t be easy. Encourage them that it’s time to spread their wings and start supporting themselves.
Sending your child to college is easier said than done. Choose a university together, and take the time to analyze the curriculum. Ask them if they’re sure of their decision, and provide as much emotional support as you can. Getting an education is vital; and if they want to live comfortably someday, choosing a school that motivates them is key.
Most kids dream about going to the best colleges in the country, but these are also expensive. If you cannot afford to pay for tuition, getting them a job will help. It’s time to let your offspring learn about adulthood on their own. It will be hard to know that they’re working and studying, but it’s something necessary that transform them into responsible adults later in life.
Author Bio: William Taylor is the writer. He is a regular contributor to many sites and mainly focuses on education related topics. He also writes for a site https://smiletutor.sg/ offering home tutor services in Singapore.
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College life is a whole new experience for you and your child. What did you teach your child before sending them to college? What skills are necessary? What aren’t?
