As a parent, one of the things that you’re going to need to do is support your child with getting the best college experience possible. While it’s largely down to them, it’s also down to you to ensure that you prepare them as best you can. Trust us when we say, the best thing that you can do for your teen is to be whatever they need you to be, as much as you can.
When they need help, be there to help them. Come up with ideas to get them where they want to be, and put every ounce of effort that you have into each and every task that you do. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the different ways that you can support your child to get them the best college experience possible. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.
Study With Them
The first thing that we’re going to suggest is that you study with them as long as they need you to. If they need you to have some late night study sessions to cram for tests, or to help them learn in advance, do it. If they need you to go over interview questions for their admissions interview, do this with them.
Do whatever they need you to do to help them learn, ensuring that they are getting the most out of their education. If you do this, you will see an increase in their confidence, and their ability. Of course, you don’t know everything, but the internet is your friend, and we’re sure that they have notes from class that you can also use.
Get Them In Touch With Someone Who Can Help
We also strongly recommend that you take the time to research and get them in touch with someone who can help them get into college. Find a college admissions consultant that can help by helping them to understand the admissions process, what colleges are looking for, and more general information. Unlike high school counselors, these professionals will stick with your child throughout the entire process, doing what they can to help your child get into their dream college. It’s definitely worth the investment, that we can tell you for sure.
Sit Down And Talk Budgeting With Them
Now, you need to make sure that your children won’t throw away their hard earned money. Teaching your children how to manage money and prioritize bills is an essential skill that will get them far in life. Teaching children about money has become increasingly difficult, as they now tend to grow up watching you tap a card every so often. Money doesn’t really have any real value to children anymore like it did when cash was king.
However, you can go through bills with them and show them which ones need to be paid first and which ones are secondary. For instance, rent and all utility bills need to be paid first so they don’t lose their home.
Speak to them about the importance of debt and how best to avoid it. Don’t sign up for credit cards, loans, or payday loans. These can get them in serious trouble, especially if they don’t have a stable job while attending college.
Prepare Them For Life At College
If you prepare your children with life skills then they will be able to survive and get by during college life. This should be knowing how to cook and knowing which setting to put the washing machines on. These skills will stay with them for life, and will come in handy when they are away from home, and when they get married or live on their own. You need to know that they can fend for themself and won’t starve without you around.
These skills start developing from when they are very young, they grow up watching you in the kitchen and cleaning the house. Having your children around you while you do these chores is the best for them. When they start college, be sure that they also have a complete supply of kitchen utensils, along with pots and pans.
Understand Finance Options And Save As Best You Can
How are you going to help your child pay for college? This is often a concern for many parents and families nationwide. You can often sign up for a bank account that handles all college payments, once your child attends then you can withdraw it to cover their fees. Look at which finance options the chosen college offers and perhaps speak with a finance advisor to see where you stand. Your teen could also get a part time job while studying, only if they can handle the pressure.
Be On The Other End Of The Phone, Always
Lastly, having a child away at college can be a scary thing. Especially if they are attending college far away as you never know what they are getting up to and if they are happy. Don’t be afraid to reassure them and show them that you are always there for them, after all, a child never stops needing their parents. If you have a super close relationship then they may have decided to stay with you rather than in the dorms of the local college.
Give them all the advice you wish you had received when you were younger. They may not take it on board but children and teens need to make their own way in life sometimes. Reassure then that you are only a phone call away if they need you. Particularly if they are anxious about being far away from home. They might be incredibly home sick and just want to come back.
They should give it a good shot and if they really don’t like it then tell them you will come and get them. They don’t always have to be so far away if they aren’t ready for it.
We do hope you found this helpful and now feel able to handle whatever life throws at you when your child is going away to college. One minute they are your little newborn babies and the next they are paving the way for college and work. Support their dreams, and always listen to what they want.
