Your kids are growing up fast. And now, it’s time to send them off on their own to start the next chapter of their life. But before you drop off your child at their dorm room or apartment, use this checklist to make sure you’re sending them off prepared for living on their own.

Supply them with essentials

Your child has spent their entire life having everything from toilet paper to food supplied to them, and they might be surprised at how little they know about living on their own. It can be hard to adjust to living on your own as a young adult. To make their lives easier, it’s nice to start off your child’s college experience fully stocked with essentials to make their first few weeks easier.

Before you head off to college, take your child to the local Target, Costco, or another retail chain and pick up some college essentials, like:

●         Bedding: Sheets, comforter, pillows, mattress topper

●         Laundry: Detergent, laundry basket, stain remover

●         Storage: Hangers, desk organizer, containers

●         Cleaning: Disinfectant wipes, broom, trash bags, trash bin

●         Kitchen: Microwave, coffee maker, utensils, snacks

●         Bathroom: Towels, shower caddy, toiletries, shower shoes

Ensure they feel safe

College can be exciting for some, and scary for others. This is likely the first time your child has lived away from home and is taking care of themselves. You want to make sure that they feel safe both physically and emotionally in their new living situation.

Talk to your child about how to handle emergencies, including when to contact campus security or local emergency services. You may also consider suggesting they take self-defense classes and understand basic safety practices.

Also, make sure your child knows who to contact in case they need support with mental health issues. Most colleges have on-campus mental health and counseling services. You can also make sure they understand that they can call you at any time if they need help or advice.

Have the money conversation

A large part of being an independent college student is handling their own finances. This might be the first time they are managing money and paying for their own food and other necessities. Therefore, it’s a good idea to talk about money before their college experience begins.

Consider discussing:

●         Budgeting: Sit down together and create a monthly budget for their expenses. Come back to that budget over the year and see if they are sticking to it.

●         Jobs: Will your child work while in school? Talk about whether a job will get in the way of their studies, or if it’s a good way for your child to earn extra spending money while in school.

●         Credit: A credit card could help your child consolidate expenses, but make sure they understand how credit cards work and the impact they have on credit scores.

Encourage exploration

While your child may have their heart set on a particular major of study, encourage them to step outside of their comfort zone. College is a great place to try new things, whether it’s getting involved in clubs and activities, or taking classes that may be different from what they expected. By exploring diverse interests, your child may find new things that spark passion and joy.

Keep an open dialogue

Your child may be flying the nest, but that doesn’t mean they no longer need you. Your role as a parent is likely to change, but your children still need you even after they head off to college. Let them know that you are always there for them to talk to about a difficult roommate, stressful exam schedule, or new social situation. Your words may impact your children in this time of their life more than you know.

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