Family time is running out and your kid is going off to college this fall.  It’s time to take a hard look at what tasks your teenager knows how to do and the ones they lack.  It’s also important to realize what will make you feel better once they’re gone so you don’t worry needlessly.

Consider spending some quality time with your teen before the big transition.  Maybe even take a family vacation together to create one last memory before they go to school.  Don’t discount the time you spend with your almost grown kid.  These young people are on the precipice of full-fledged adulthood and can benefit greatly from the lessons learned at your side.  Here are three main life skills, outside of housekeeping, they will want to master before setting out on their own.

1. Banking – Most teenagers know how to use a debit and credit card, but what they don’t always know is what to do when the bill comes in. They are so accustomed to mom and dad taking care of it.  They will need to learn how to set up and maintain a budget, taking care to prioritize basic needs from fun and leisure activities and other items.  If you haven’t taught your child much about money before, a crash course is imperative regardless of how awkward the conversation may be.  Include instruction on how to use credit cards wisely and how to manage a checkbook.
2. Laundry–You have lovingly dealt with their personal laundry for all of their lives and now you are afraid they won’t ever have clean clothes again until they come home! It’s not difficult to use a washer and dryer, but be sure to include some instruction on stain removal too.
3. Cooking–Perhaps your teen has shown some aptitude in the last few years to cook some basic items such as breakfast and pizza. Beyond using the microwave, you will be doing them a big favor by teaching them to cook some other easy meals in case they have facilities in their dorm rooms to do so.  Maybe they are moving into an apartment with some roommates and the cooking will be left up to your kid.  Choosing recipes that are included in a balanced diet will keep off those unwanted extra pounds that so many freshmen experience.  Take some time to discuss the results of over imbibingon alcohol and the legal ramifications as well. It is not necessary to their regular diet.

All that’s left to talk about is what to do in case of emergencies.  These can include sudden car repairs, cash flow problems and medical situations.  Consider obtaining a medical alert system for your youth.  It may give you both peace of mind especially if your child suffers from diabetes or some other chronic illness.  They won’t have to worry about what to do in case of emergency, if they know they can simply press a button and receive the help they need.

All these things will aid in the maturing process of your college bound teen.  You will both feel better about this next step in their lives when they are prepared for their future!

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOUR KIDS GO TO COLLEGE