Your teen is approaching the end of their high school career and they are heading off to college.
It is a fun and exciting time for the whole family, especially for
your doe –eyed teen. Sometimes as parents we forget that sometimes our
teens don’t know the basics once they flee the nest.
Here are five basic things you should educate your teen on before they go:
1. Budget money: Probably one of the biggest and
most important things you can teach your teen before they head off to
college. Teaching your teen the basics of money and the concept of
budgeting will carry them into adulthood. Give your teen a good grasp on
costs and expenses and how they are to spend and budget. Most college
freshman are targeted by credit card companies once they get on campus,
teach them the trials and tribulations of a credit card.
2. Basic safety:
You aren’t able to keep track of your teen once they are off to
college. Teach them the different dangers that they can experience as
college students. Things like drinking and driving, drugs and date rape.
Teach them to keep their personal information offline and that no
matter where or what they are doing someone needs to know where they
are, even if it’s just their roommate.
3. How to cook:
Teaching them easy and healthy meals will keep your teen from spending
too much money on those late night drive thrus. Be sure to send them off
to college with basic cooking supplies like pots and pans and cooking
utensils. Consider stocking their pantry and fridge with the basics,
this will encourage them to cook at home more.
4. How to do laundry:
Believe it or not, lots of teens do not know how to do their own
laundry. Be sure they know how to operate the machine as well as what
settings are needed on different loads. Don’t forget to show them how to
clean the dryer vent.
5. Car maintenance: If your
teen is going to college with a car, be sure that you educate them on
what to do when it comes to renewing stickers, getting oil changes and
checking tire pressure. It is wise that you tell them to contact you
first if there is a car problem, some mechanics and tow truck people can
target your teen and rip them off.
Prepare for phone calls and texts with questions and sometimes
mishaps. It is also a sign if you do not hear from your teen about these
things; make sure they are practicing what you have taught them. Be
understanding and helpful; remember you were once that age too. Good
luck Mom and Dad!
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