College Transition Tips for Parents and Kids: How to Prepare for the Big Move

The time has come; your child is heading off to college! This can be a bittersweet event for you as a parent. If you feel a little lost, don’t worry, it is normal and expected. We have some tips for parents and kids to help make the college transition go smoothly.

Define Expectations Before They Leave

First, it is essential to have a discussion with your child about expectations. What does each of you expect from this new situation? It is also essential to talk about finances.

Make sure you are on the same page about how much money will be given and how it should be spent. It is best to do this before they leave. Otherwise, your child may get caught up in what others are doing and create some habits that may cause later issues.

Consider Healthcare and Legal Issues

Your child is now legally considered an adult, so you can’t get access to their medical or financial information as you once could. Contact your attorney about getting a power of attorney and healthcare proxies for your child before they leave. Then, you’ll be able to help in the event of an emergency while at college.

Create a Plan to Keep in Touch

One of the most important things to discuss with your child is how you will stay in touch. Establish a plan for regular communication, whether it is through phone calls, emails, or some other platform. It is also critical to set some ground rules, such as no texting or calling during class.

Also, planning visits can be easier to do before your child leaves. You will want to establish a schedule of when these visits will be so that you and your child can plan ahead.

Plan to Send Strategic Care Packages

College life can be overwhelming at first, and it can be hard to create healthy habits. One easy way to help your child adjust is to send periodic care packages. After they settle in at college, send boxes with healthy snacks, toiletries, and other essentials. I enjoyed the care packages I received from my mom during my freshmen year. They were also quite popular with my friends, creating a nice social engagement opportunity for me as I got to know people.

Your care packages can also include gift cards to restaurants or stores near campus. These gifts will give them a little taste of home and remind them that you are still thinking of them.

Simplify the Packing Process with a List

Next, start packing! Packing may seem daunting, but it will be much easier if you start by first creating a list. Everyone can continue adding to the list; then, packing becomes a simple exercise of working down that list.

Prepare for Empty Nest Syndrome

• While sending a child off to college can be a bittersweet moment for parents, empty nesters may face an even more challenging emotional transition- suddenly, that once-bustling house is now quiet.
• Fortunately, by being proactive, you can help minimize the impact of this transition:
• Take time to plan your schedule so you can stay busy. Fill your time with activities that you enjoy or take a new class.
• Playing music can help bring some sound back to a newly quiet house.
• Reach out to other parents who are also in this situation, or seek out a therapist who can help you make sense of your feelings.
• Make sure you care for yourself mentally and physically during this difficult time. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and exercise.
• Knowing what to expect is half the battle, so you’ll be ready for these feelings.

The Big Day

Finally, say your goodbyes. This is probably the hardest part for both parents and kids.

Make sure you have an open line of communication so you can stay in touch and support each other through this new adventure.

The start of college is a significant change, but it can also be exciting. These tips will help you and your child make the transition smoothly. Soon enough, you’ll be celebrating their graduation!

Questions and Consultations

If you have questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss your finances, contact us today.

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Partnership Wealth Management is a comprehensive financial services company. We are committed to providing our clients with financial planning and wealth management services to help them make the most of their investments. At Partnership Wealth Management we have a long history of working with the LGBT community. Among our many services, we offer financial planning for gay couples and lesbian couples as well as estate planning for gay couples and lesbian couples. Financial planning is an important part of preparing for the future, contact us today to get started: www.partnershipwm.com. We always try and provide the best information – We are not responsible for information on third-party sites. Thanks for reading!