Living the College Life: Is Your Child Ready to Take on This New Lifestyle?

*Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s piece.

After many years of driving him to school, supporting him at soccer practice and attending every teacher-parent meeting possible, my son is finally heading off to college. The truth is that I couldn’t be happier for him, but my neighbor planted a bit of worry in my mind last night. She was talking about the college experience, how students have to be independent and how parents have to step back and let them live their own lives. I know I’ve always babied him, but now I’m not sure if he’s ready to take such a big step. 

It isn’t uncommon for parents to baby their kids throughout their childhood. In most cases, though, moms and dads usually loosen their grip as their child grows older, allowing them to develop and learn responsibilities on their own. However, there are some parents out there who’ll continue to do everything for their kids, even after they leave home for school.

It isn’t uncommon for parents to baby their kids throughout their childhood. Click To Tweet

How can a parent who’s done everything for their kids expect them to prepare meals, find an apartment or pay bills on their own? In many cases, these parents don’t think that their child will perform well in their absence. This realization can often lead to panic. At Rice Psychology Group, we want for you to feel comfortable and confident about your kids moving to college, which is why we’ve prepared the following information.

It can be tough letting a child go once they’re ready to move out for school. If you’re having trouble managing this important transition, then contact our psychologists in Tampa today!

A Word of Advice

It’s extremely important for your child to know what to do when moving to a new area. Click To Tweet

If you think about the day-to-day things you do for your kids, the things you have to remind them about or what you wish they’d do on their own, then this list is probably pretty long. In the time spent working with parents, our Tampa psychologists have noticed a few areas where attention should be paid:

• Rise and Shine – Many parents will often excuse their children for sleeping late by saying that they’re heavy sleepers. How is this child – now an adult – be expected to wake up for an 8:00 AM class or workday?
• Dirty Laundry – Are you absolutely certain that your child will know how to wash his/her clothes in college? If you’re not very confident, that’s okay! Now is the time to ensure that they know exactly what to do when it’s time to do their laundry.
• On the Move – College students usually travel back home once vacation arrives, but some may not know how to get around. Would your child be able to find their way back home, adopt a bus or train schedule or make plans to catch a flight on his/her own?
• Making a Meal – A healthy and hearty meal in college can go a long way, but is your child capable of preparing one on their own? It’s important for him/her to know how to create a shopping list, shop for items and prepare their meals.
• Safety First – One of the biggest concerns parents have is their children’s safety. It’s extremely important for your child to know what to do when moving to a new area. They have to pay attention to their surroundings and keep themselves out of trouble at all times.

Let’s Get Started

Remember that your kids’ ability to take care of themselves develops at an early age. Click To Tweet

Parents want for their children to have a healthy and successful college life. Remember that your kids’ ability to take care of themselves develops at an early age. Instead of doing every single task for them, spend time teaching them the things that they’ll need to know. This will ensure that they become self-reliant, resilient and confident in their abilities when you’re not around. For more information about this or other matters involving your family, give Rice Psychology Group a call today.