Kids grow up so fast these days and parents can’t do anything to slow that down. It’s a bittersweet feeling, the pride you experience as you watch them grow into young adults, become independent, start their career, while also missing and reminiscing of when they were just small children. But try as you may, time moves on whether we like it or not.
Possibly the biggest hurdle parents face as they watch their children grow up is when they leave for college. They’ve lived at home their entire lives and for the first time ever, they won’t sleep under your roof. It’s your job to prepare them for the real world.
Here are some great things you can do to set your child up as they leave for college.
1. ORGANIZER
There are a wealth of distractions as a freshman at college. From parties to dating, to dorm room shenanigans, it’s easy to lose focus on what’s important. Getting them an organizer can help them cut through all the clutter and stay on top of their assignments, responsibilities, and activities amidst all the commotion.
2. BIG HAMPER
The phrase “size matters” absolutely applies here. Between a part-time job, assignments and finals, it may be weeks on end that your child can come home for the weekend. Sure, they may have access to a washer and drier at a local Laundromat, but who has time to sit there all day and protect your clothes while they get clean. The time would better be spent studying or driving home, so they can do their laundry without worrying that it will be stolen.
3. USED CAR
If they don’t have a car already, it’s time to get one. After all, public transportation may not provide enough time to make that quick getaway home should the situation require it. Make sure you buy them a used car, however, rather than a lease or buying one new. A lease will limit your mileage, which they will easily exceed if their college is far from home. Buy them an affordable and reliable used car that will safely transport them from A to B.
4. COMPUTER
And last but certainly not least, buy them a laptop computer. They will need it for their studies, in addition to staying in contact with you via Skype and other communication services. There are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look.
5. BACKPACK
If a child is living on campus, a book bag is a must to lug books around to and from class. Even those living off-campus and commuters should invest in a good bookbag for college.
These are just some of the things a college kid will need when going off to college to live in a dormitory. Click here for a more comprehensive list of what a college student may need.
