How to Emotionally Prepare Your Teen for College

With the hustle and bustle of shopping for a college with your teen, getting them into a college, financing college, and preparing to send them off with all the necessities, it’s sometimes easy to forget the biggest step of all. Your child needs to be prepared for the emotional roller coaster they are about to embark on. Overnight your child is thrust into adulthood.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Ask you child how they are feeling. You may be surprised. They could be terrified to leave home but feel like they should be ecstatic to leave. Leaving for college is a confusing transition so let your child discuss all their feelings.
2. Let your teen take the reigns. Although you may want to take control and dictate how everything should go, what comforter they should get for the dorm, what classes they should take; step back and allow your child to control their future.
3. Make sure your child knows you are there for support and encouragement. Allow your teen to ask questions and look for guidance, but do not tell them what to do. Unless they ask for your opinion, bite your tongue.
4. Discuss finances with your child now. Your teen is use to a home where there is food in the refrigerator, electricity for lights, and heat when it’s cold. Although teens are old enough to realize things cost money, most don’t know the extent of which you pay. Make a plan now so your child understands what they will and will not be responsible for at school. If you are upfront you will prevent them from resenting you or feeling abandoned.
5. Discuss credit cards with your student. Opening day of class, most universities have credit card vendors handing out cards. A good suggestion so your child doesn’t climb into debt and depression is to open a joint card with your teen. If you don’t choose a joint card, help them find a card with a low limit. Teach them the importance of paying off their balance each month. Suggest they use it for gas so they have a revolving balance to clear every month.
6. Talk about sex. Although you’ve most likely had the birds and the bee’s conversation, a lot of students think of college as a time to party. Openly talk about STDs, pregnancy and birth control with your teen. They should know the ramifications of their actions. If you have a daughter, talk to her about HPV, which is a common viral infection. Nearly 80% of sexually active people have it, yet it can cause cervical cancer. Consider vaccinating her while she is still young enough to be covered by insurance.
7. Create an open door with your teen. College is a confusing time where young adults are struggling with who they are and who they want to be. Let them know they can discuss their feelings and struggles with you.