As a parent, watching your child leave home for college can be bittersweet. After all the years spent preparing them to head out into the world, it’s important to make sure they’re ready for everything college brings. Before you send your teen to university, it’s important to make sure they are fully prepared for the financial, emotional, and mental changes it will bring.
Emotional Preparedness for Life Away From Home
Although most teens are excited to be free of the restrictions of living at home, the emotional toll of these changes can be difficult to face. As they enter the world of higher education, teens are faced with an entirely new sense of responsibility and personal stress. Because you will want them to be ready, you can help prepare them for these emotional challenges. Talk to your teen about his or her feelings as the first day of college life approaches.
Even though the excitement may be obvious, they might also be worried or even a little scared. Talking to you about it can help them conquer their fears as they leave home. It’s also a good idea to remind them that you are always around when they need to talk. Give them support and encouragement – and a phone card – while allowing them to take the reins as they start a new chapter of their life.
Being Financially Prepared for College Life
Even if parents will be footing the bill for school, there will still be very real financial changes to your teen’s life as they go out on their own. Talk to them about budgeting and the importance of only using credit cards for emergencies. If you start addressing financial preparedness and responsibility early, your teen will be better prepared to face the challenges of college life.
If they will have to take on a job while away at school, you should also discuss with them how to prioritize to ensure they take care of their studies first.
There are many activities and sources found on www.JumpStart.org, which is operated by the JumpStart Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating students about financial responsibility. Your child’s their time in college can help to shape their financial future, so helping them prepare is crucial. Through various activities found at JumpStart and open dialogue, your teen will be better able to handle financial responsibilities along with their new class load at college.
How to Prepare Your Teen Mentally
All of these changes can certainly put a strain on your teen’s mental wellness. The stress of school, more difficult classes, and trying to make new friends can be a lot to take on in one go. Before they leave, you should talk to them about these stresses and give them tips on how to deal with them.
Aside from talking to you, they can also find support at www.KidsHealth.org/teen. The site has many resources, advice, tips, and ideas that will help them learn to cope with the added stress of college life. The school should have a counseling center, which is an ideal place for them to get advice without parental pressure.
With so many changes that come along with life in college, you can do many things to help your teen prepare before they start a new life.
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