5 Things to Do Before Your Teenager Goes to College

Sending your child off to university is a major transitional period for both your teenager and you as a parent. For most families, this is the first real separation that can cause parents to feel the empty nest syndrome. However, while this is a major change in your lives, it’s also an opportunity for both you and your child to work on your personal growth. However, before entering this new chapter, you should make sure to get everything ready for your teenager’s big day. By taking care of everything early on, you’ll be able to send your teen off to college knowing that they have everything they need.

Plan ahead

The period before college can be quite hectic, with families trying to spend as much time together as they can and preparing everything for their freshmen. To avoid all the stress and drama, you should start planning for your teen’s move as soon as possible. You should make a checklist of everything you need to do over the summer or holiday period and write down all the items that they’ll need to bring. You should also start thinking about yourself and what you can do with your free time. Considering this early on will help you adapt when your child leaves. Instead of sitting around not knowing what to do, you can start focusing on yourself.

Teach them some basic life skills

From cooking and doing laundry to fixing some basic household problems and changing a tyre, teaching your teen some basic life skills will enable them to take care of themselves instead of relying on you to deal with all their problems. You can also teach them how to pay their bills, take care of their finances and shop on the budget. Not only will their life be much easier, but you also won’t have to worry whether they’ll know how to take on different responsibilities.

Have a talk

Find some time to sit down with your teenager to discuss some important issues and your expectations. For example, you can come up with a financial plan that will fit your budget and meet their everyday needs. Maintaining regular communication is another important issue you need to discuss. Instead of calling them every few hours, you can agree on a particular part of day for video chats, phone calls and so on. Finally, don’t forget to discuss both your and their expectations regarding their academic achievements. This will keep them on the right track because freshmen can easily get carried away with their new freedom, which can have a negative impact on their studies.

Find the perfect accommodation

Accommodation is one of the most important considerations when sending your child off to university. Every parent needs to know that their teen is safe and comfortable in their new home. You should consider different options, such as independent living, shared accommodation, student dorms etc. The most important thing is that you find a reliable option that is relatively close to your teen’s college. For example, innovative student accommodation in Brisbane is located in the heart of the city within close proximity of the major universities and colleges. In addition, this option offers a vibrant student environment along with a range of different perks, such as laundry facilities, study rooms, outdoor areas, etc. Finding such a trustworthy accommodation option is crucial for your child’s safety and your peace of mind.

Focus on yourself and the rest of your family

Don’t wait for your teen to go off to college to start indulging yourself and taking up new activities with the rest of your family members. Remember that this is a major transitional period for all of you, so make sure to talk with your other children. You can start some new family traditions, take up new hobbies and focus more on your relationship with your partner. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed by the feeling of emptiness once your teen goes to college. Separating from your child is never easy, but there are measures that you can take to facilitate this transitional period.

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