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Preparing your child for college is one of the most difficult things you do as a parent. It’s a particularly hard time for parents as it’s a time of change and there are lots of steps to take in order to prepare for this next phase in your child’s life. Are you stressed about getting your son/daughter ready for college? If so, keep reading, as the following are some top tips for making this transition as easy as possible for you and your child.
Help Become Financially Aware
Finances can be one of the biggest worries for any student starting college but this can be avoided with sufficient funding and successful budgeting. Make sure your child knows exactly how much money they have and how long it needs to last. Help them to think of everything they might need to pay for, from rent and bills, to food shopping, and miscellaneous items like socializing and entertainment. It’s important to help your child set up a bank account and choose a student loan. Taking out a student loan can be a great way to provide funding to pay for tuition, but you’ll need to shop around to find the right fit as loans have different interest rates, payment schedules, and fees. Encourage your son/daughter to learn about how loans work and point them in the way of resources that can help make him/her more financially aware. College is the perfect time to learn about money and how it really works.
Teach to Cook
When heading off to college, basic cooking skills can go a long way. It’s important to make sure your child knows how to look after himself/herself in the kitchen. This means learning how to cook a few staple options for breakfast, dinner and evening meals. One-pot meals like chili con carne and oven bakes are handy for busy students as they’re easy to cook, easy to store and they can be heated up very quickly. Other favorites include pasta dishes, stir-fry’s and curries. Spend quality time perfecting these dishes before moving day and worrying whether your child is eating and getting enough nutrients won’t be a problem.
Help Set a Routine
Starting the next phase in education is bound to provide a massive shakeup in any child’s life. A set routine is key when it comes to overcoming stress and the power of having a tight schedule should never be overlooked. Remember, we are habitual creatures and the habits we create determine how we feel and those feelings have a considerable impact on daily life. The routine that’s set should be determined by your child’s regular day-to-day activities. Does he/she spend time reading or meditating? Is sport important? What about the time they’re used to getting up and going to bed at? How many meals a day does he/she normally eat? Take all of these factors into consideration and look at your child’s timetable for classes. It’s only then that you both can sit down to draw up a rough routine for each day.