So, your child has finally hit another milestone and got into college – congratulations to them and you! It may just seem like a few moments ago that they were starting at school, and now they’re taking their first steps into the adult world of higher education and work.
Going to college is a major life event, and it can feel overwhelming as a parent to let them head off to a new place without you. But it’s important to let your teen have their independence and space to make mistakes, whilst also letting them know that you’re there for them if they need you.
In this post, we look at three things you can teach them before they leave that will help them have a positive college experience.
How to keep their finances healthy
Going to college may be the first chance that your child gets at managing their own money. Even if you give them an allowance or they have a weekend job, they’re unlikely to be paying for rent, bills, and food on their own – they may contribute, but you’re probably the one setting up the accounts.
Most college students will rely on student loans for their expenses. It can be tempting to splash out when this money comes into their account, but they need to ensure that they’re budgeting properly and paying their bills on time to keep their finances in a healthy state.
If they choose to get a job at the same time, they’ll also need to be clued up on how taxes work. This is also important for life after college – and it’s never too early to start learning.
Basic first aid
It might not be the most obvious thing, but almost all of us will need to know basic first aid at some point – whether that’s something simple like taping up a cut or something more complicated like the recovery position. Whilst your child should have access to help and support on campus in the event of an emergency, knowing what to do if they are faced with a medical issue can help keep them and others safe.
Send them off with a basic kit of band-aids, painkillers, reusable ice packs, and some bandages – they may not need them, but if they do, they’ll be glad to have everything to hand.
How to fix things
Your child may choose to live in college accommodation for some of their time, but the chances are that at some point they’ll also live out in other rented accommodation too. Knowing how to handle simple DIY tasks, like fixing a leaky tap or unblocking a toilet, might not seem like the most glamorous start to college life, but this knowledge can save them from costly repair bills further down the line. Some DIY skills may also help them customize their space and make them feel settled and at home.
This goes for sewing, too. Knowing how to repair small rips and tears in clothing or shorten trousers can help your teen save money and make their items last longer.
