College life is a very different experience from anything your children have done in their lives up to this point. This requires a different mindset and one that prepares them for the increased responsibility that their new independence will require. In addition to instilling good study habits, there are several other ways you can help your kids prepare for college.
Teach Lessons in Personal Finance
If you’re a new parent, it’s never too soon to start teaching your children about the value of money and the importance of making wise financial decisions. As your children reach college age, you should put more stress on these issues, focusing on the necessity of building credit. This involves teaching them that credit is a tool and not a source of free money. They should also learn the difference between wanting or needing something to ensure they use their money more frugally.
Teach Important Life Skills
Aside from personal finance, there are other lessons your children must learn before heading off to college. This includes learning the importance of keeping a clean living space, developing basic cooking skills, and knowing how to do their own laundry. While you may take it for granted that your children already know how to care for themselves in this way, most parents don’t realize that their kids lack these basic skills.
Address Self-Care
One thing you know from raising your children is that they will let some basic self-care practices go when it’s left up to them. They may forget to brush their teeth, or they may wear the same clothes for too many days without washing them. These practices are unhealthy and can lead them to experience humiliating social situations. Before sending them off to college, stress the importance of following a good personal hygiene routine. You should also make sure they know to eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get sufficient exercise.
Taking the opportunity to instill the good habits mentioned here will help you ensure your kids will handle their first college semester well. They will use the lessons you have taught them to help them avoid the adverse financial, health, and social issues other college students might face. The habits they develop in college will stay with them throughout their adult lives, so make sure they adopt good ones.