How to Get Your Child Ready For College

Going to college is an important milestone in every young adult’s life. Though this can be a very difficult and stressful time, your actions and preparation as a parent can affect how smoothly the transition to college life goes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The first and most important step in this process is something you should have been doing your child’s entire life, instilling a good work/study ethic. You can only carry your child so far and once they are away in college, they’re on their own. By instilling a good work and study ethic in your child, you can be sure that it will carry them throughout their college and adult life.

2. 
    
   Make a checklist!

   When the time comes to get packing, organization is key. Before you start packing, go around the house with your child and write down EVERYTHING that needs to be packed up. This way you can check items off the list as you go, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything. Making a moving list is a great way to keep on track when you are on a deadline. A moving list is not only a helpful tool when moving kids away to college, but any time you need to move.

3. The last part of the transition is the follow up support. Let you child know that you will be there for him/her. Just because they are out of the house, doesn’t mean they have to be completely on their own quite yet. This help and support can make a world of difference, especially when your child is going through tough times or feeling homesick.