Anyone who is about to start college will surely have mixed feelings. It is common to be excited and scared at the same time. That said, in this article, we talk about the things parents can do to make it easier for their children to live the college life and adjust in a new chapter.
Start with the Perfect Gift
Choosing a graduation gift for a special person in your life is never easy. Consider it as a parting present for your child. It does not have to be expensive. If you aren’t rich enough to give out a car or a laptop, no need to worry. There are other gifts that are sure to be appreciated without costing an arm and a leg. If you want it to be memorable, choose personalized graduation gifts, such as the ones you can find at Shutterfly. They can take it with them to college and remind them of your love.
Decorate their Dorm
Give your child a hand in decorating their college dorm. Decorate their living space in such a way that they won’t miss home. A good way to do this is to add a photo mural using pictures with family and friends. Wall art with an inspirational quote is another simple way to decorate the dorm. To make it more special, use personalized decor, such as posters and framed prints, including those you will find at Shutterfly.
Be Supportive
It is time to accept the fact that your child is an adult who can make decisions on his or her own. The best thing that you can do is to be supportive of the college choices and decisions your child will make. Show them that you have trust in them and that you believe in whatever their decision will be. Nonetheless, do not hesitate to provide inputs, but do not force your child to give in to what you want.
Teach Them Basic Chores
If you raised a spoiled child who does not do a lot at home, now is the time to change that. Independent college living requires doing basic chores. So, one of the things to do before your child starts college is to teach him or her some chores, including doing the laundry. Cooking is also important, as well as cleaning the house. They should not rely on someone else to do these things for them.
Familiarize Them with Public Transportation
While there are some students who go to college with their own cars, the majority of them take public transportation. To make the transition easy, teach them how to navigate public transportation, especially for those who aren’t used to commuting. Teach them how to get around school using different modes of transportation, including trains and buses.
It is normal for kids to have fears about college life. After all, it is a whole new world out there. Make the transition easy by taking note of our suggestions above.
