Career / CTE
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Top 5 Things Students Should Be Capable Of Before Leaving Home And Ways To Teach Them
April 26, 2024
April 26, 2024
Students and their families spend years working hard to make sure they have good options for college, training programs, or jobs after high school. Throughout their four years, they work to get good grades, participate in productive extracurricular activities, and study for tests so they can move on to a college or career that matches their preferences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
As students finish up their senior year, families are often focused on celebrating the accomplishments that have come from this hard work with graduation ceremonies, parties with families and friends, and enjoying quality time before their child begins their next adventure away from home. Preparation turns to buying essentials for dorm rooms or apartments, attending orientation meetings, or filling out requisite forms and paperwork.
Oftentimes, however, with so much focus on getting into college and navigating the immediate steps for the transition, some of the important life skills that teenagers will need as they live on their own for the first time are forgotten. For many graduating seniors, the coming months will be the first time they have had to truly take care of themselves–from managing finances to doing laundry to making phone calls to resolve issues.
Use the list below to help your child develop and practice critical skills that will help them be successful when they are away.
How to manage a budget
For most teenagers, going away to college is the first time they are responsible for making their own day-to-day financial decisions. And many do not realize the short- and long-term consequences of overspending or how to plan spending for basic needs over the course of a month or semester. It is critical that they understand the importance of having a budget, how to create one, and how to track spending over time. Talk with them about the difference between using cash, debit cards, and credit cards, and when it is appropriate to use each. If they have digital payment options set up on their phones, make sure they understand which sources of payment they are associated with. It is also important that they know how to access key information such as their social security number, bank account numbers, and pins or passwords for any shared accounts they might need to access.
During the summer: Consider having your child practice setting and managing a budget while still at home. Have your child set up their own account at a bank they will have access to once they move and make sure they know how to get cash at an ATM if needed. If there are bills they will be responsible for paying while away, talk with them about the importance of timely payments, and have them pay those bills during the summer months.
Completing basic household chores and upkeep
A student who is headed to a college dorm will likely have a roommate sharing their living space. For some, this is the first time they have had to share a bedroom or bathroom with someone else and will not have a parent or other adult reminding them to clean their space, help with laundry, or respond when an issue emerges. And being messy or not doing one’s part can cause disagreements with roommates that risk impacting the overall dynamic of the year.
During the summer: Make sure your child knows the frequency that different cleaning tasks should be completed and how to do them. Have them be responsible for doing their own laundry, cleaning their bathroom and bedroom, and contribute to broader household chores. If students are moving into their own apartment or shared house, make sure they know how to plunge a toilet, turn the water valve off, or reset circuit breakers, and have them practice during these final months before going away. Doing this now can prevent crises from emerging during the school year.
Communicating at the right time in the most effective way
One important piece of growing up is learning to communicate your needs, advocate for yourself, and productively navigate challenging situations. When teens are on their own for the first time, they are likely to encounter situations that require their action or intervention, and how they go about handling these situations can have a big impact on whether it is easily resolved or escalates. This might be as simple as making a phone call to ask a question about a charge on their credit card or sending an email to a professor to ask about a grade on an assignment.
During the summer: Help your child understand how different types of communication channels can be utilized in different situations, and encourage them to proactively communicate as needed. Make sure they understand when it is important to be more formal–for instance, when emailing a professor or the financial aid office–and you might even have them practice drafting emails or making a phone call for customer service questions. Knowing what, how, and when to communicate can empower your teen to resolve issues on their own as they learn to be independent.
Managing time and priorities.
A hallmark of college schedules is that they often allow for more open time than typical high school days. And, unlike high school, where all students have the same start and end time, most college students have varying schedules depending upon their current courses. It is vital that before going away, teens learn to navigate their schedules, prioritize tasks, and think through how to complete everything they need to get done. This includes balancing competing priorities, structuring long-term projects, and understanding which tasks deserve the most focus and attention. For students heading to college, understanding how to read course syllabuses, planning ahead for due dates, and managing the workload of all courses across the term is crucial to success. For all graduates, understanding the importance of being on time and keeping a calendar of commitments is necessary to be a productive adult.
During the summer: Talk with your child about the pieces of time management they do well and areas they may need to work on before leaving home. Have them be in charge of their schedule, including managing summer work commitments. You can help them set up a digital calendar or physical planner to help them structure their time. You might even access some sample syllabuses over the summer and talk through reading the information and recording important dates on their calendar of choice.
How and when to ask for help and support
As teenagers leave home, it is impossible to predict or prepare them for all of the challenges they will face. One of the most important pieces of advice you can pass on is that it is always okay to ask for help. Talk with your child about who they can turn to for support, assistance, or advice as they encounter different situations when they are away. This can include academic help, emotional support, or where to go when they are physically sick. Talk with them about times in your life you asked for help or support.
During the summer: For students going off to college, help them identify and save contact information for on-campus academic support centers, mental healthcare providers, and student health centers. For students moving to a new area, look up which local doctors and mental healthcare providers are within their insurance network and identify any family or friends near their new place. And, make sure they know how to access important information they might need when filling out forms for these kinds of appointments. Thinking proactively now and knowing there are people and places to turn to for assistance can provide a sense of comfort and ease the transition for you and your child.
A Time for Learning and Growth
The time after high school when teenagers go away for the first time is one of the most monumental periods of emotional and developmental growth. This period is meant to be a time for your child to come to understand their preferences, strengths, and how to best handle more adult responsibilities. This is rarely an entirely smooth and linear process; much of the growth happens as a result of trial and error. But, remember that this is a safe time to make mistakes and the lessons learned are vital for them as they develop critical independence and self agency as they grow into adulthood.
This time also marks a huge step for parents, as you have to seemingly suddenly let your child navigate life’s day-to-day events and challenges on their own when you have been such a central component for the past 18 years. As you send your children off, share your confidence in their readiness and remind them that you will be there for them as they deal with life’s challenges and to celebrate all of their successes.
Students and their families spend years working hard to make sure they have good options for college, training programs, or jobs after high school. Throughout their four years, they work to get good grades, participate in productive extracurricular activities, and study for tests so they can move on to a college or career that matches their preferences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
As students finish up their senior year, families are often focused on celebrating the accomplishments that have come from this hard work with graduation ceremonies, parties with families and friends, and enjoying quality time before their child begins their next adventure away from home. Preparation turns to buying essentials for dorm rooms or apartments, attending orientation meetings, or filling out requisite forms and paperwork.
Oftentimes, however, with so much focus on getting into college and navigating the immediate steps for the transition, some of the important life skills that teenagers will need as they live on their own for the first time are forgotten. For many graduating seniors, the coming months will be the first time they have had to truly take care of themselves–from managing finances to doing laundry to making phone calls to resolve issues.
Use the list below to help your child develop and practice critical skills that will help them be successful when they are away.
How to manage a budget
For most teenagers, going away to college is the first time they are responsible for making their own day-to-day financial decisions. And many do not realize the short- and long-term consequences of overspending or how to plan spending for basic needs over the course of a month or semester. It is critical that they understand the importance of having a budget, how to create one, and how to track spending over time. Talk with them about the difference between using cash, debit cards, and credit cards, and when it is appropriate to use each. If they have digital payment options set up on their phones, make sure they understand which sources of payment they are associated with. It is also important that they know how to access key information such as their social security number, bank account numbers, and pins or passwords for any shared accounts they might need to access.
During the summer: Consider having your child practice setting and managing a budget while still at home. Have your child set up their own account at a bank they will have access to once they move and make sure they know how to get cash at an ATM if needed. If there are bills they will be responsible for paying while away, talk with them about the importance of timely payments, and have them pay those bills during the summer months.
Completing basic household chores and upkeep
A student who is headed to a college dorm will likely have a roommate sharing their living space. For some, this is the first time they have had to share a bedroom or bathroom with someone else and will not have a parent or other adult reminding them to clean their space, help with laundry, or respond when an issue emerges. And being messy or not doing one’s part can cause disagreements with roommates that risk impacting the overall dynamic of the year.
During the summer: Make sure your child knows the frequency that different cleaning tasks should be completed and how to do them. Have them be responsible for doing their own laundry, cleaning their bathroom and bedroom, and contribute to broader household chores. If students are moving into their own apartment or shared house, make sure they know how to plunge a toilet, turn the water valve off, or reset circuit breakers, and have them practice during these final months before going away. Doing this now can prevent crises from emerging during the school year.
Communicating at the right time in the most effective way
One important piece of growing up is learning to communicate your needs, advocate for yourself, and productively navigate challenging situations. When teens are on their own for the first time, they are likely to encounter situations that require their action or intervention, and how they go about handling these situations can have a big impact on whether it is easily resolved or escalates. This might be as simple as making a phone call to ask a question about a charge on their credit card or sending an email to a professor to ask about a grade on an assignment.
During the summer: Help your child understand how different types of communication channels can be utilized in different situations, and encourage them to proactively communicate as needed. Make sure they understand when it is important to be more formal–for instance, when emailing a professor or the financial aid office–and you might even have them practice drafting emails or making a phone call for customer service questions. Knowing what, how, and when to communicate can empower your teen to resolve issues on their own as they learn to be independent.
Managing time and priorities.
A hallmark of college schedules is that they often allow for more open time than typical high school days. And, unlike high school, where all students have the same start and end time, most college students have varying schedules depending upon their current courses. It is vital that before going away, teens learn to navigate their schedules, prioritize tasks, and think through how to complete everything they need to get done. This includes balancing competing priorities, structuring long-term projects, and understanding which tasks deserve the most focus and attention. For students heading to college, understanding how to read course syllabuses, planning ahead for due dates, and managing the workload of all courses across the term is crucial to success. For all graduates, understanding the importance of being on time and keeping a calendar of commitments is necessary to be a productive adult.
During the summer: Talk with your child about the pieces of time management they do well and areas they may need to work on before leaving home. Have them be in charge of their schedule, including managing summer work commitments. You can help them set up a digital calendar or physical planner to help them structure their time. You might even access some sample syllabuses over the summer and talk through reading the information and recording important dates on their calendar of choice.
How and when to ask for help and support
As teenagers leave home, it is impossible to predict or prepare them for all of the challenges they will face. One of the most important pieces of advice you can pass on is that it is always okay to ask for help. Talk with your child about who they can turn to for support, assistance, or advice as they encounter different situations when they are away. This can include academic help, emotional support, or where to go when they are physically sick. Talk with them about times in your life you asked for help or support.
During the summer: For students going off to college, help them identify and save contact information for on-campus academic support centers, mental healthcare providers, and student health centers. For students moving to a new area, look up which local doctors and mental healthcare providers are within their insurance network and identify any family or friends near their new place. And, make sure they know how to access important information they might need when filling out forms for these kinds of appointments. Thinking proactively now and knowing there are people and places to turn to for assistance can provide a sense of comfort and ease the transition for you and your child.
A Time for Learning and Growth
The time after high school when teenagers go away for the first time is one of the most monumental periods of emotional and developmental growth. This period is meant to be a time for your child to come to understand their preferences, strengths, and how to best handle more adult responsibilities. This is rarely an entirely smooth and linear process; much of the growth happens as a result of trial and error. But, remember that this is a safe time to make mistakes and the lessons learned are vital for them as they develop critical independence and self agency as they grow into adulthood.
This time also marks a huge step for parents, as you have to seemingly suddenly let your child navigate life’s day-to-day events and challenges on their own when you have been such a central component for the past 18 years. As you send your children off, share your confidence in their readiness and remind them that you will be there for them as they deal with life’s challenges and to celebrate all of their successes.
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Students and their families spend years working hard to make sure they have good options for college, training programs, or jobs after high school. Throughout their four years, they work to get good grades, participate in productive extracurricular activities, and study for tests so they can move on to a college or career that matches their preferences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
As students finish up their senior year, families are often focused on celebrating the accomplishments that have come from this hard work with graduation ceremonies, parties with families and friends, and enjoying quality time before their child begins their next adventure away from home. Preparation turns to buying essentials for dorm rooms or apartments, attending orientation meetings, or filling out requisite forms and paperwork.
Oftentimes, however, with so much focus on getting into college and navigating the immediate steps for the transition, some of the important life skills that teenagers will need as they live on their own for the first time are forgotten. For many graduating seniors, the coming months will be the first time they have had to truly take care of themselves–from managing finances to doing laundry to making phone calls to resolve issues.
Use the list below to help your child develop and practice critical skills that will help them be successful when they are away.
How to manage a budget
For most teenagers, going away to college is the first time they are responsible for making their own day-to-day financial decisions. And many do not realize the short- and long-term consequences of overspending or how to plan spending for basic needs over the course of a month or semester. It is critical that they understand the importance of having a budget, how to create one, and how to track spending over time. Talk with them about the difference between using cash, debit cards, and credit cards, and when it is appropriate to use each. If they have digital payment options set up on their phones, make sure they understand which sources of payment they are associated with. It is also important that they know how to access key information such as their social security number, bank account numbers, and pins or passwords for any shared accounts they might need to access.
During the summer: Consider having your child practice setting and managing a budget while still at home. Have your child set up their own account at a bank they will have access to once they move and make sure they know how to get cash at an ATM if needed. If there are bills they will be responsible for paying while away, talk with them about the importance of timely payments, and have them pay those bills during the summer months.
Completing basic household chores and upkeep
A student who is headed to a college dorm will likely have a roommate sharing their living space. For some, this is the first time they have had to share a bedroom or bathroom with someone else and will not have a parent or other adult reminding them to clean their space, help with laundry, or respond when an issue emerges. And being messy or not doing one’s part can cause disagreements with roommates that risk impacting the overall dynamic of the year.
During the summer: Make sure your child knows the frequency that different cleaning tasks should be completed and how to do them. Have them be responsible for doing their own laundry, cleaning their bathroom and bedroom, and contribute to broader household chores. If students are moving into their own apartment or shared house, make sure they know how to plunge a toilet, turn the water valve off, or reset circuit breakers, and have them practice during these final months before going away. Doing this now can prevent crises from emerging during the school year.
Communicating at the right time in the most effective way
One important piece of growing up is learning to communicate your needs, advocate for yourself, and productively navigate challenging situations. When teens are on their own for the first time, they are likely to encounter situations that require their action or intervention, and how they go about handling these situations can have a big impact on whether it is easily resolved or escalates. This might be as simple as making a phone call to ask a question about a charge on their credit card or sending an email to a professor to ask about a grade on an assignment.
During the summer: Help your child understand how different types of communication channels can be utilized in different situations, and encourage them to proactively communicate as needed. Make sure they understand when it is important to be more formal–for instance, when emailing a professor or the financial aid office–and you might even have them practice drafting emails or making a phone call for customer service questions. Knowing what, how, and when to communicate can empower your teen to resolve issues on their own as they learn to be independent.
Managing time and priorities.
A hallmark of college schedules is that they often allow for more open time than typical high school days. And, unlike high school, where all students have the same start and end time, most college students have varying schedules depending upon their current courses. It is vital that before going away, teens learn to navigate their schedules, prioritize tasks, and think through how to complete everything they need to get done. This includes balancing competing priorities, structuring long-term projects, and understanding which tasks deserve the most focus and attention. For students heading to college, understanding how to read course syllabuses, planning ahead for due dates, and managing the workload of all courses across the term is crucial to success. For all graduates, understanding the importance of being on time and keeping a calendar of commitments is necessary to be a productive adult.
During the summer: Talk with your child about the pieces of time management they do well and areas they may need to work on before leaving home. Have them be in charge of their schedule, including managing summer work commitments. You can help them set up a digital calendar or physical planner to help them structure their time. You might even access some sample syllabuses over the summer and talk through reading the information and recording important dates on their calendar of choice.
How and when to ask for help and support
As teenagers leave home, it is impossible to predict or prepare them for all of the challenges they will face. One of the most important pieces of advice you can pass on is that it is always okay to ask for help. Talk with your child about who they can turn to for support, assistance, or advice as they encounter different situations when they are away. This can include academic help, emotional support, or where to go when they are physically sick. Talk with them about times in your life you asked for help or support.
During the summer: For students going off to college, help them identify and save contact information for on-campus academic support centers, mental healthcare providers, and student health centers. For students moving to a new area, look up which local doctors and mental healthcare providers are within their insurance network and identify any family or friends near their new place. And, make sure they know how to access important information they might need when filling out forms for these kinds of appointments. Thinking proactively now and knowing there are people and places to turn to for assistance can provide a sense of comfort and ease the transition for you and your child.
A Time for Learning and Growth
The time after high school when teenagers go away for the first time is one of the most monumental periods of emotional and developmental growth. This period is meant to be a time for your child to come to understand their preferences, strengths, and how to best handle more adult responsibilities. This is rarely an entirely smooth and linear process; much of the growth happens as a result of trial and error. But, remember that this is a safe time to make mistakes and the lessons learned are vital for them as they develop critical independence and self agency as they grow into adulthood.
This time also marks a huge step for parents, as you have to seemingly suddenly let your child navigate life’s day-to-day events and challenges on their own when you have been such a central component for the past 18 years. As you send your children off, share your confidence in their readiness and remind them that you will be there for them as they deal with life’s challenges and to celebrate all of their successes.
Students and their families spend years working hard to make sure they have good options for college, training programs, or jobs after high school. Throughout their four years, they work to get good grades, participate in productive extracurricular activities, and study for tests so they can move on to a college or career that matches their preferences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
As students finish up their senior year, families are often focused on celebrating the accomplishments that have come from this hard work with graduation ceremonies, parties with families and friends, and enjoying quality time before their child begins their next adventure away from home. Preparation turns to buying essentials for dorm rooms or apartments, attending orientation meetings, or filling out requisite forms and paperwork.
Oftentimes, however, with so much focus on getting into college and navigating the immediate steps for the transition, some of the important life skills that teenagers will need as they live on their own for the first time are forgotten. For many graduating seniors, the coming months will be the first time they have had to truly take care of themselves–from managing finances to doing laundry to making phone calls to resolve issues.
Use the list below to help your child develop and practice critical skills that will help them be successful when they are away.
How to manage a budget
For most teenagers, going away to college is the first time they are responsible for making their own day-to-day financial decisions. And many do not realize the short- and long-term consequences of overspending or how to plan spending for basic needs over the course of a month or semester. It is critical that they understand the importance of having a budget, how to create one, and how to track spending over time. Talk with them about the difference between using cash, debit cards, and credit cards, and when it is appropriate to use each. If they have digital payment options set up on their phones, make sure they understand which sources of payment they are associated with. It is also important that they know how to access key information such as their social security number, bank account numbers, and pins or passwords for any shared accounts they might need to access.
During the summer: Consider having your child practice setting and managing a budget while still at home. Have your child set up their own account at a bank they will have access to once they move and make sure they know how to get cash at an ATM if needed. If there are bills they will be responsible for paying while away, talk with them about the importance of timely payments, and have them pay those bills during the summer months.
Completing basic household chores and upkeep
A student who is headed to a college dorm will likely have a roommate sharing their living space. For some, this is the first time they have had to share a bedroom or bathroom with someone else and will not have a parent or other adult reminding them to clean their space, help with laundry, or respond when an issue emerges. And being messy or not doing one’s part can cause disagreements with roommates that risk impacting the overall dynamic of the year.
During the summer: Make sure your child knows the frequency that different cleaning tasks should be completed and how to do them. Have them be responsible for doing their own laundry, cleaning their bathroom and bedroom, and contribute to broader household chores. If students are moving into their own apartment or shared house, make sure they know how to plunge a toilet, turn the water valve off, or reset circuit breakers, and have them practice during these final months before going away. Doing this now can prevent crises from emerging during the school year.
Communicating at the right time in the most effective way
One important piece of growing up is learning to communicate your needs, advocate for yourself, and productively navigate challenging situations. When teens are on their own for the first time, they are likely to encounter situations that require their action or intervention, and how they go about handling these situations can have a big impact on whether it is easily resolved or escalates. This might be as simple as making a phone call to ask a question about a charge on their credit card or sending an email to a professor to ask about a grade on an assignment.
During the summer: Help your child understand how different types of communication channels can be utilized in different situations, and encourage them to proactively communicate as needed. Make sure they understand when it is important to be more formal–for instance, when emailing a professor or the financial aid office–and you might even have them practice drafting emails or making a phone call for customer service questions. Knowing what, how, and when to communicate can empower your teen to resolve issues on their own as they learn to be independent.
Managing time and priorities.
A hallmark of college schedules is that they often allow for more open time than typical high school days. And, unlike high school, where all students have the same start and end time, most college students have varying schedules depending upon their current courses. It is vital that before going away, teens learn to navigate their schedules, prioritize tasks, and think through how to complete everything they need to get done. This includes balancing competing priorities, structuring long-term projects, and understanding which tasks deserve the most focus and attention. For students heading to college, understanding how to read course syllabuses, planning ahead for due dates, and managing the workload of all courses across the term is crucial to success. For all graduates, understanding the importance of being on time and keeping a calendar of commitments is necessary to be a productive adult.
During the summer: Talk with your child about the pieces of time management they do well and areas they may need to work on before leaving home. Have them be in charge of their schedule, including managing summer work commitments. You can help them set up a digital calendar or physical planner to help them structure their time. You might even access some sample syllabuses over the summer and talk through reading the information and recording important dates on their calendar of choice.
How and when to ask for help and support
As teenagers leave home, it is impossible to predict or prepare them for all of the challenges they will face. One of the most important pieces of advice you can pass on is that it is always okay to ask for help. Talk with your child about who they can turn to for support, assistance, or advice as they encounter different situations when they are away. This can include academic help, emotional support, or where to go when they are physically sick. Talk with them about times in your life you asked for help or support.
During the summer: For students going off to college, help them identify and save contact information for on-campus academic support centers, mental healthcare providers, and student health centers. For students moving to a new area, look up which local doctors and mental healthcare providers are within their insurance network and identify any family or friends near their new place. And, make sure they know how to access important information they might need when filling out forms for these kinds of appointments. Thinking proactively now and knowing there are people and places to turn to for assistance can provide a sense of comfort and ease the transition for you and your child.
A Time for Learning and Growth
The time after high school when teenagers go away for the first time is one of the most monumental periods of emotional and developmental growth. This period is meant to be a time for your child to come to understand their preferences, strengths, and how to best handle more adult responsibilities. This is rarely an entirely smooth and linear process; much of the growth happens as a result of trial and error. But, remember that this is a safe time to make mistakes and the lessons learned are vital for them as they develop critical independence and self agency as they grow into adulthood.
This time also marks a huge step for parents, as you have to seemingly suddenly let your child navigate life’s day-to-day events and challenges on their own when you have been such a central component for the past 18 years. As you send your children off, share your confidence in their readiness and remind them that you will be there for them as they deal with life’s challenges and to celebrate all of their successes.
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Students and their families spend years working hard to make sure they have good options for college, training programs, or jobs after high school. Throughout their four years, they work to get good grades, participate in productive extracurricular activities, and study for tests so they can move on to a college or career that matches their preferences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
As students finish up their senior year, families are often focused on celebrating the accomplishments that have come from this hard work with graduation ceremonies, parties with families and friends, and enjoying quality time before their child begins their next adventure away from home. Preparation turns to buying essentials for dorm rooms or apartments, attending orientation meetings, or filling out requisite forms and paperwork.
Oftentimes, however, with so much focus on getting into college and navigating the immediate steps for the transition, some of the important life skills that teenagers will need as they live on their own for the first time are forgotten. For many graduating seniors, the coming months will be the first time they have had to truly take care of themselves–from managing finances to doing laundry to making phone calls to resolve issues.
Use the list below to help your child develop and practice critical skills that will help them be successful when they are away.
How to manage a budget
For most teenagers, going away to college is the first time they are responsible for making their own day-to-day financial decisions. And many do not realize the short- and long-term consequences of overspending or how to plan spending for basic needs over the course of a month or semester. It is critical that they understand the importance of having a budget, how to create one, and how to track spending over time. Talk with them about the difference between using cash, debit cards, and credit cards, and when it is appropriate to use each. If they have digital payment options set up on their phones, make sure they understand which sources of payment they are associated with. It is also important that they know how to access key information such as their social security number, bank account numbers, and pins or passwords for any shared accounts they might need to access.
During the summer: Consider having your child practice setting and managing a budget while still at home. Have your child set up their own account at a bank they will have access to once they move and make sure they know how to get cash at an ATM if needed. If there are bills they will be responsible for paying while away, talk with them about the importance of timely payments, and have them pay those bills during the summer months.
Completing basic household chores and upkeep
A student who is headed to a college dorm will likely have a roommate sharing their living space. For some, this is the first time they have had to share a bedroom or bathroom with someone else and will not have a parent or other adult reminding them to clean their space, help with laundry, or respond when an issue emerges. And being messy or not doing one’s part can cause disagreements with roommates that risk impacting the overall dynamic of the year.
During the summer: Make sure your child knows the frequency that different cleaning tasks should be completed and how to do them. Have them be responsible for doing their own laundry, cleaning their bathroom and bedroom, and contribute to broader household chores. If students are moving into their own apartment or shared house, make sure they know how to plunge a toilet, turn the water valve off, or reset circuit breakers, and have them practice during these final months before going away. Doing this now can prevent crises from emerging during the school year.
Communicating at the right time in the most effective way
One important piece of growing up is learning to communicate your needs, advocate for yourself, and productively navigate challenging situations. When teens are on their own for the first time, they are likely to encounter situations that require their action or intervention, and how they go about handling these situations can have a big impact on whether it is easily resolved or escalates. This might be as simple as making a phone call to ask a question about a charge on their credit card or sending an email to a professor to ask about a grade on an assignment.
During the summer: Help your child understand how different types of communication channels can be utilized in different situations, and encourage them to proactively communicate as needed. Make sure they understand when it is important to be more formal–for instance, when emailing a professor or the financial aid office–and you might even have them practice drafting emails or making a phone call for customer service questions. Knowing what, how, and when to communicate can empower your teen to resolve issues on their own as they learn to be independent.
Managing time and priorities.
A hallmark of college schedules is that they often allow for more open time than typical high school days. And, unlike high school, where all students have the same start and end time, most college students have varying schedules depending upon their current courses. It is vital that before going away, teens learn to navigate their schedules, prioritize tasks, and think through how to complete everything they need to get done. This includes balancing competing priorities, structuring long-term projects, and understanding which tasks deserve the most focus and attention. For students heading to college, understanding how to read course syllabuses, planning ahead for due dates, and managing the workload of all courses across the term is crucial to success. For all graduates, understanding the importance of being on time and keeping a calendar of commitments is necessary to be a productive adult.
During the summer: Talk with your child about the pieces of time management they do well and areas they may need to work on before leaving home. Have them be in charge of their schedule, including managing summer work commitments. You can help them set up a digital calendar or physical planner to help them structure their time. You might even access some sample syllabuses over the summer and talk through reading the information and recording important dates on their calendar of choice.
How and when to ask for help and support
As teenagers leave home, it is impossible to predict or prepare them for all of the challenges they will face. One of the most important pieces of advice you can pass on is that it is always okay to ask for help. Talk with your child about who they can turn to for support, assistance, or advice as they encounter different situations when they are away. This can include academic help, emotional support, or where to go when they are physically sick. Talk with them about times in your life you asked for help or support.
During the summer: For students going off to college, help them identify and save contact information for on-campus academic support centers, mental healthcare providers, and student health centers. For students moving to a new area, look up which local doctors and mental healthcare providers are within their insurance network and identify any family or friends near their new place. And, make sure they know how to access important information they might need when filling out forms for these kinds of appointments. Thinking proactively now and knowing there are people and places to turn to for assistance can provide a sense of comfort and ease the transition for you and your child.
A Time for Learning and Growth
The time after high school when teenagers go away for the first time is one of the most monumental periods of emotional and developmental growth. This period is meant to be a time for your child to come to understand their preferences, strengths, and how to best handle more adult responsibilities. This is rarely an entirely smooth and linear process; much of the growth happens as a result of trial and error. But, remember that this is a safe time to make mistakes and the lessons learned are vital for them as they develop critical independence and self agency as they grow into adulthood.
This time also marks a huge step for parents, as you have to seemingly suddenly let your child navigate life’s day-to-day events and challenges on their own when you have been such a central component for the past 18 years. As you send your children off, share your confidence in their readiness and remind them that you will be there for them as they deal with life’s challenges and to celebrate all of their successes.
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Students and their families spend years working hard to make sure they have good options for college, training programs, or jobs after high school. Throughout their four years, they work to get good grades, participate in productive extracurricular activities, and study for tests so they can move on to a college or career that matches their preferences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
As students finish up their senior year, families are often focused on celebrating the accomplishments that have come from this hard work with graduation ceremonies, parties with families and friends, and enjoying quality time before their child begins their next adventure away from home. Preparation turns to buying essentials for dorm rooms or apartments, attending orientation meetings, or filling out requisite forms and paperwork.
Oftentimes, however, with so much focus on getting into college and navigating the immediate steps for the transition, some of the important life skills that teenagers will need as they live on their own for the first time are forgotten. For many graduating seniors, the coming months will be the first time they have had to truly take care of themselves–from managing finances to doing laundry to making phone calls to resolve issues.
Use the list below to help your child develop and practice critical skills that will help them be successful when they are away.
How to manage a budget
For most teenagers, going away to college is the first time they are responsible for making their own day-to-day financial decisions. And many do not realize the short- and long-term consequences of overspending or how to plan spending for basic needs over the course of a month or semester. It is critical that they understand the importance of having a budget, how to create one, and how to track spending over time. Talk with them about the difference between using cash, debit cards, and credit cards, and when it is appropriate to use each. If they have digital payment options set up on their phones, make sure they understand which sources of payment they are associated with. It is also important that they know how to access key information such as their social security number, bank account numbers, and pins or passwords for any shared accounts they might need to access.
During the summer: Consider having your child practice setting and managing a budget while still at home. Have your child set up their own account at a bank they will have access to once they move and make sure they know how to get cash at an ATM if needed. If there are bills they will be responsible for paying while away, talk with them about the importance of timely payments, and have them pay those bills during the summer months.
Completing basic household chores and upkeep
A student who is headed to a college dorm will likely have a roommate sharing their living space. For some, this is the first time they have had to share a bedroom or bathroom with someone else and will not have a parent or other adult reminding them to clean their space, help with laundry, or respond when an issue emerges. And being messy or not doing one’s part can cause disagreements with roommates that risk impacting the overall dynamic of the year.
During the summer: Make sure your child knows the frequency that different cleaning tasks should be completed and how to do them. Have them be responsible for doing their own laundry, cleaning their bathroom and bedroom, and contribute to broader household chores. If students are moving into their own apartment or shared house, make sure they know how to plunge a toilet, turn the water valve off, or reset circuit breakers, and have them practice during these final months before going away. Doing this now can prevent crises from emerging during the school year.
Communicating at the right time in the most effective way
One important piece of growing up is learning to communicate your needs, advocate for yourself, and productively navigate challenging situations. When teens are on their own for the first time, they are likely to encounter situations that require their action or intervention, and how they go about handling these situations can have a big impact on whether it is easily resolved or escalates. This might be as simple as making a phone call to ask a question about a charge on their credit card or sending an email to a professor to ask about a grade on an assignment.
During the summer: Help your child understand how different types of communication channels can be utilized in different situations, and encourage them to proactively communicate as needed. Make sure they understand when it is important to be more formal–for instance, when emailing a professor or the financial aid office–and you might even have them practice drafting emails or making a phone call for customer service questions. Knowing what, how, and when to communicate can empower your teen to resolve issues on their own as they learn to be independent.
Managing time and priorities.
A hallmark of college schedules is that they often allow for more open time than typical high school days. And, unlike high school, where all students have the same start and end time, most college students have varying schedules depending upon their current courses. It is vital that before going away, teens learn to navigate their schedules, prioritize tasks, and think through how to complete everything they need to get done. This includes balancing competing priorities, structuring long-term projects, and understanding which tasks deserve the most focus and attention. For students heading to college, understanding how to read course syllabuses, planning ahead for due dates, and managing the workload of all courses across the term is crucial to success. For all graduates, understanding the importance of being on time and keeping a calendar of commitments is necessary to be a productive adult.
During the summer: Talk with your child about the pieces of time management they do well and areas they may need to work on before leaving home. Have them be in charge of their schedule, including managing summer work commitments. You can help them set up a digital calendar or physical planner to help them structure their time. You might even access some sample syllabuses over the summer and talk through reading the information and recording important dates on their calendar of choice.
How and when to ask for help and support
As teenagers leave home, it is impossible to predict or prepare them for all of the challenges they will face. One of the most important pieces of advice you can pass on is that it is always okay to ask for help. Talk with your child about who they can turn to for support, assistance, or advice as they encounter different situations when they are away. This can include academic help, emotional support, or where to go when they are physically sick. Talk with them about times in your life you asked for help or support.
During the summer: For students going off to college, help them identify and save contact information for on-campus academic support centers, mental healthcare providers, and student health centers. For students moving to a new area, look up which local doctors and mental healthcare providers are within their insurance network and identify any family or friends near their new place. And, make sure they know how to access important information they might need when filling out forms for these kinds of appointments. Thinking proactively now and knowing there are people and places to turn to for assistance can provide a sense of comfort and ease the transition for you and your child.
A Time for Learning and Growth
The time after high school when teenagers go away for the first time is one of the most monumental periods of emotional and developmental growth. This period is meant to be a time for your child to come to understand their preferences, strengths, and how to best handle more adult responsibilities. This is rarely an entirely smooth and linear process; much of the growth happens as a result of trial and error. But, remember that this is a safe time to make mistakes and the lessons learned are vital for them as they develop critical independence and self agency as they grow into adulthood.
This time also marks a huge step for parents, as you have to seemingly suddenly let your child navigate life’s day-to-day events and challenges on their own when you have been such a central component for the past 18 years. As you send your children off, share your confidence in their readiness and remind them that you will be there for them as they deal with life’s challenges and to celebrate all of their successes.
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Students and their families spend years working hard to make sure they have good options for college, training programs, or jobs after high school. Throughout their four years, they work to get good grades, participate in productive extracurricular activities, and study for tests so they can move on to a college or career that matches their preferences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
As students finish up their senior year, families are often focused on celebrating the accomplishments that have come from this hard work with graduation ceremonies, parties with families and friends, and enjoying quality time before their child begins their next adventure away from home. Preparation turns to buying essentials for dorm rooms or apartments, attending orientation meetings, or filling out requisite forms and paperwork.
Oftentimes, however, with so much focus on getting into college and navigating the immediate steps for the transition, some of the important life skills that teenagers will need as they live on their own for the first time are forgotten. For many graduating seniors, the coming months will be the first time they have had to truly take care of themselves–from managing finances to doing laundry to making phone calls to resolve issues.
Use the list below to help your child develop and practice critical skills that will help them be successful when they are away.
How to manage a budget
For most teenagers, going away to college is the first time they are responsible for making their own day-to-day financial decisions. And many do not realize the short- and long-term consequences of overspending or how to plan spending for basic needs over the course of a month or semester. It is critical that they understand the importance of having a budget, how to create one, and how to track spending over time. Talk with them about the difference between using cash, debit cards, and credit cards, and when it is appropriate to use each. If they have digital payment options set up on their phones, make sure they understand which sources of payment they are associated with. It is also important that they know how to access key information such as their social security number, bank account numbers, and pins or passwords for any shared accounts they might need to access.
During the summer: Consider having your child practice setting and managing a budget while still at home. Have your child set up their own account at a bank they will have access to once they move and make sure they know how to get cash at an ATM if needed. If there are bills they will be responsible for paying while away, talk with them about the importance of timely payments, and have them pay those bills during the summer months.
Completing basic household chores and upkeep
A student who is headed to a college dorm will likely have a roommate sharing their living space. For some, this is the first time they have had to share a bedroom or bathroom with someone else and will not have a parent or other adult reminding them to clean their space, help with laundry, or respond when an issue emerges. And being messy or not doing one’s part can cause disagreements with roommates that risk impacting the overall dynamic of the year.
During the summer: Make sure your child knows the frequency that different cleaning tasks should be completed and how to do them. Have them be responsible for doing their own laundry, cleaning their bathroom and bedroom, and contribute to broader household chores. If students are moving into their own apartment or shared house, make sure they know how to plunge a toilet, turn the water valve off, or reset circuit breakers, and have them practice during these final months before going away. Doing this now can prevent crises from emerging during the school year.
Communicating at the right time in the most effective way
One important piece of growing up is learning to communicate your needs, advocate for yourself, and productively navigate challenging situations. When teens are on their own for the first time, they are likely to encounter situations that require their action or intervention, and how they go about handling these situations can have a big impact on whether it is easily resolved or escalates. This might be as simple as making a phone call to ask a question about a charge on their credit card or sending an email to a professor to ask about a grade on an assignment.
During the summer: Help your child understand how different types of communication channels can be utilized in different situations, and encourage them to proactively communicate as needed. Make sure they understand when it is important to be more formal–for instance, when emailing a professor or the financial aid office–and you might even have them practice drafting emails or making a phone call for customer service questions. Knowing what, how, and when to communicate can empower your teen to resolve issues on their own as they learn to be independent.
Managing time and priorities.
A hallmark of college schedules is that they often allow for more open time than typical high school days. And, unlike high school, where all students have the same start and end time, most college students have varying schedules depending upon their current courses. It is vital that before going away, teens learn to navigate their schedules, prioritize tasks, and think through how to complete everything they need to get done. This includes balancing competing priorities, structuring long-term projects, and understanding which tasks deserve the most focus and attention. For students heading to college, understanding how to read course syllabuses, planning ahead for due dates, and managing the workload of all courses across the term is crucial to success. For all graduates, understanding the importance of being on time and keeping a calendar of commitments is necessary to be a productive adult.
During the summer: Talk with your child about the pieces of time management they do well and areas they may need to work on before leaving home. Have them be in charge of their schedule, including managing summer work commitments. You can help them set up a digital calendar or physical planner to help them structure their time. You might even access some sample syllabuses over the summer and talk through reading the information and recording important dates on their calendar of choice.
How and when to ask for help and support
As teenagers leave home, it is impossible to predict or prepare them for all of the challenges they will face. One of the most important pieces of advice you can pass on is that it is always okay to ask for help. Talk with your child about who they can turn to for support, assistance, or advice as they encounter different situations when they are away. This can include academic help, emotional support, or where to go when they are physically sick. Talk with them about times in your life you asked for help or support.
During the summer: For students going off to college, help them identify and save contact information for on-campus academic support centers, mental healthcare providers, and student health centers. For students moving to a new area, look up which local doctors and mental healthcare providers are within their insurance network and identify any family or friends near their new place. And, make sure they know how to access important information they might need when filling out forms for these kinds of appointments. Thinking proactively now and knowing there are people and places to turn to for assistance can provide a sense of comfort and ease the transition for you and your child.
A Time for Learning and Growth
The time after high school when teenagers go away for the first time is one of the most monumental periods of emotional and developmental growth. This period is meant to be a time for your child to come to understand their preferences, strengths, and how to best handle more adult responsibilities. This is rarely an entirely smooth and linear process; much of the growth happens as a result of trial and error. But, remember that this is a safe time to make mistakes and the lessons learned are vital for them as they develop critical independence and self agency as they grow into adulthood.
This time also marks a huge step for parents, as you have to seemingly suddenly let your child navigate life’s day-to-day events and challenges on their own when you have been such a central component for the past 18 years. As you send your children off, share your confidence in their readiness and remind them that you will be there for them as they deal with life’s challenges and to celebrate all of their successes.
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