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blanket of Mom and Dad. Having life skills will prove just as valuable as study skills during the course of their undergraduate experience. As Maureen Clancy of CNBC’s “Know Your Value” says, “I taught my daughter some coping skills because sometimes the weight and stress of everything would cause her to have a total meltdown … I showed her that in those times, she needed to get active (exercise, clean, etc.) and get out of her own head, and instead of worrying about passing all her classes for the semester, [she should] focus on that next test and take one day at a time.” Additionally, preparing for the extracurricular aspects of the campus experience involves hard conversations about sensitive issues. No parent is comfortable talking to their 18-year-old about drinking, safe sex, and the like. Regardless of the awkwardness, these discussions are vital for your child to make safe and responsible decisions while they’re away from home.
college should be about savoring your time together. Take a trip, share a special meal, or do something meaningful together that will create a lasting memory for you and your child. Time is of the essence like never before, and you don’t want to regret passing up the chance to share valuable family time in the months and weeks leading up to departure. After your child arrives at their college or university, it’s extremely important to make them feel supported. Showing appreciation for their hard work will demonstrate how proud you are of them, and knowing they have supportive parents in their corner, no matter how far away, is hugely beneficial to new college students. Despite the wishes of some parents, you can’t be a fly on the wall during the first semester. Rather than suffering from a serious case of parental FOMO, focus on enjoying time together before you send them off to the next chapter of their life.
If you asked a teen to shop for their college dorm on their own, they’d likely come home with a million posters, some bed sheets, and not much else. As an experienced adult, you can help your child arrive with all the items they need. A small tool set, some dishware, cleaning supplies, and the rest of the basics will make life a whole lot easier, but they are easy to overlook. A good way to devise a list of survival essentials is to look at your own closets. Everybody knows they need clothes, but they may forget about the value of a spare lightbulb, a few power strips, and an extra charging cable. Having these items on hand will make the first few weeks a lot easier. As a bonus, shopping for dorm supplies is a wonderful bonding experience.
MAKE SOME SPECIAL MEMORIES
In addition to preparing to launch your child from the nest, the summer before
Watch Their World Expand With Every Step HIKINGWITH YOUR KIDS
Hiking has many benefits as a family activity, such as mental health improvement, strengthening your relationships, and experiencing new sights and discoveries together. It’s also great exercise, and you get plenty of quality time, fresh air, and sunshine. Here are three guidelines to help you and your kids have fun on your next hike.
the trail. You can also bring binoculars to help them look at a bird that might be perched a little too high up. Another option is a bug holder to let your kids catch smaller insects, such as grasshoppers or pill bugs, and give them a close-up look.
KEEP SAFETY IN MIND
ENCOURAGE THEIR CURIOSITY
While you’re out on the trail, it’s essential to make sure that both you and your family are safe. Wear breathable, noncotton material and sturdy shoes that don’t expose your toes. It’s important to dress according to the weather. For example, if the day is sunny, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and apply plenty of sunscreen on any exposed skin. Bring your kids’ favorite snacks and water bottles for everyone to stay hydrated. It’s crucial that you also bring a fully stocked first-aid kit in case someone is injured on the hike. Starting with one of your local hiking trails can be a rewarding way to spend the day with your kids. You can watch their excitement as they expand their world with new discoveries.
One of the best ways to have your children learn about the world is letting them explore it. Being there for your children and encouraging them to ask questions about flowers, bugs, or animals you see on the trail will help them expand their vocabulary and learn how things work. When they learn they can explore independently and ask about the world around them, they’re gaining the confidence to teach themselves.
BRING ALONG SOME TOOLS OF DISCOVERY
Getting your children to engage in nature while you’re out hiking can be as simple as bringing a magnifying glass along with you. Let your kids look at leaves, rocks, insects, or anything else you might come across on
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