Tips for Preparing Yourself and Your Teenager for College

Although time is not slowing down for anyone, here are a few tips to make sure you both are prepared for this upcoming change:

We assume that you're teen as chosen a school by now. Maybe you joined them on some visits to the different schools they were considering, and maybe not. Regardless, you should make every effort to visit their chosen college campus with them. This visit will help them realize that you are taking an interest in their decision and can be a real confidence booster for you both. Also, being able to see where your teen will be living for the next few years will help you get an understanding of their new surroundings and begin to set your mind at ease.

Are you still wondering if your teenager has really considered their undergraduate major or future career path? Now is a great time to put things down on paper with them. Help them map out a plan for the next four years that will help them make decisions, set goals, and allows for some flexibility. Make sure to include classes, internship opportunities and extracurricular activities that will benefit them once they graduate. Think about acquiring schooling or training that will help them get a job post graduation. Before they even begin working for someone it's important they have a clear idea of where they want to go

It’s a smart idea to teach your teens important life skills before they head off to college. Not only will you save some money, but you’ll train your children to be self-reliant and independent as they grow up. Teaching your teen how to do simple chores such as laundry and cooking, will give them confidence in their new setting. Also, taking a few minutes to explain how to sort and wash their clothes will mean your teen won’t have to lug their laundry home on the weekends.

If you have a new college teen starting school, you need to teach them how to make smart financial decisions. After all, the earlier they learn the better. Understanding their finances will help to lessen the burden as your teen heads into their first months of school. Have your teen prioritize bills and other necessities and educate them on the importance of adding to their savings. Make sure their budget includes room for fun. No college experience is complete without spontaneous trips to the movies and late-night pizza orders. Budgeting for fun will help your teen stick with their financial goals.

The most important thing you can do teach your college-bound teen is how to manage their time. Time is valuable, so make sure they learn to direct their time toward activities that are meaningful and help them achieve their goals. Your teen will soon be managing every second of their own life. Without proper time management or prioritization skills, college will quickly become overwhelming. Although a quick text in the morning while they’re away could help motivate your teen to get out of bed or update them on upcoming appointments, learning to manage their own time will give your teen a greater sense of independence and better prepare them for life after college. You can help them along by sharing tips such as creating to-do lists, and setting deadlines, and encouraging them to keep a daily planner.

Your teen has reached the final milestone that will transition them into adulthood. You’ve been their biggest supporter up to this point and the care you have given them since birth has been preparing them for this moment. As your teen wraps up their final preparations for college, and head into their first year, they will be equipped with the valuable skills and words of wisdom you have imparted on them over the years. It is now time to trust that you have taught them enough to make careful decisions and be a responsible adult.