I’d like to talk/write about the graduating class of 2025. More specifically, the High School Seniors graduating in a few weeks.
Hopefully, the High School Grads will be going off to college in a few months. They’ve been living under your roof their entire life. Are they ready to go off on their own? Are they prepared to live without you doing the everyday things that you do for them?
I know that I was not prepared. As simple as it sounds, I had no idea how to do my own laundry. I had to learn the hard way, by trial and error, and it was a nightmare. I ruined some brand-new clothes that my parents bought me and I was soooo upset. That was just one of the many things I wasn’t prepared for when I left for college.
I know they won’t be going off to college for a few months but I would strongly suggest that you start getting them ready now. As “they” say…there’s no time like the present. It’s not just about packing and shipping them off. It’s not about buying them the necessities and setting up their dorm room. It’s about what happens when you leave. It’s teaching about them how to live on their own and all that that entails.
Give them the tools that they will need to thrive. Here’s some suggestions, in no particular order. Make sure they know:
- How to do laundry (without ruining their clothes)
- How to manage/understand finances/budgeting
- What to do in case of an emergency
- How to manage their time and schedule
- How to organize so that they can find what they need when they need it
- How and where to get help if and when they need it
- How to cook the basics (if they don’t already know)
- How to clean up after themselves (they will undoubtedly have a roommate and will need to be respectful of the space they will both live in)
- How to keep themselves safe against scammers, predators, hazing and other temptations they may not be aware of
- That you’ll always be there for them
Talk to them about what they think they’ll need to be successful in school and to live on their own. It’s a great conversation to have with them as they probably already have some ideas around that. I’m sure they’re nervous as well. They probably have a ton of questions that you can help or at least try to help them with. Even if you don’t have all the answers, perhaps you can help guide them as to where they can find the answers that they’ll need.
I’m sure you did a great job raising your child. They’re graduating High School so you must have done a lot of things right to get to this point. You may think that they know all of the things that they need to do and that they’re prepared and ready to go. Have the conversation anyway! It can’t hurt.
One last thing and this is for you…If you do nothing else, PLEASE make sure that you have your child, if they’re 18 or over, sign a Health Care Directive before they head off to college naming you as their health care proxy. Once they attain the age of 18 you will NOT be able to make medical decisions on their behalf if you/they do not have this document. You can get this form on-line or check with your attorney. If you don’t have one, I’d be happy to recommend someone.