| You may have a teenager that will be | | | | doing laundry, looking after their health, |
| attending college soon, or thinking about it | | | | seeing a doctor when necessary, and |
| for when they are finished school. There are | | | | medication? |
| a few important questions that you should be | | | | |
| asking them well before their Last year in | | | | - What is their level or comfort with |
| school to help them focus on what they want | | | | organizational tools and planning, planners, |
| and make a good informed decisions about what | | | | schedules, day timers, reminders? |
| they want to study. Actually, the best time | | | | |
| to have this conversation is when your | | | | - Do they respect authority, communicate |
| teenager is just starting high school, so | | | | their needs effectively, and realise they are |
| that he can have years to form his answers. | | | | solely responsible for their actions and |
| | | | subsequent consequences? |
| It is a very natural part of growing up - | | | | |
| teens leaving for college. During this time, | | | | - What is their level of maturity and |
| parents play a significant and active role in | | | | readiness ? Would they be able to leave for |
| facilitating this transition and preparing | | | | college? |
| teens for college. | | | | |
| | | | Here are some suggestions to put together in |
| Factors contributing to the success, delay | | | | a little going away package for your teenager |
| and/or failure of this preparatory activity | | | | of items that they will definitely need and |
| include asking yourself and others, including | | | | appreciate when they are away from home. |
| your teenager a couple of tough, honest | | | | |
| questions: | | | | - Nonperishable food items such as breakfast |
| | | | bars, ramen noodles and coffee, tea or hot |
| - Does your teen have good study habits well | | | | chocolate, are a must. |
| entrenched and developed successfully in | | | | |
| their routine? | | | | - Recent pictures of the family or pets |
| | | | always bring a smile. Send a disposable |
| - What is the nature of your teens own | | | | camera and a self-addressed envelope along |
| self-discipline, self-motivation, | | | | too. This way they can send some pictures |
| responsibility and independence? For example | | | | back. |
| getting up in the morning without you | | | | |
| insisting on it! | | | | - Favorite soaps, shampoo and other |
| | | | toiletries come in handy and help with the |
| - Do they have the ability to establish and | | | | budget. |
| maintain a healthy hygiene routine, eat | | | | |
| healthy meals, make good nutritional choices | | | | - Check out what is near their college and |
| without you? | | | | add a gift certificate, like to a pizza |
| | | | restaurant or the closest food shops. |
| - What is the nature of your teens problem | | | | |
| solving capability, would they know which | | | | - Practical items, like new underwear and |
| steps to take, act with discretion, | | | | socks, will definitely be appreciated. |
| decisiveness, conviction and appropriateness? | | | | |
| | | | - New supplies for school, like pens, |
| - Are they successful in balancing | | | | notebooks, folders, will help their budget, |
| priorities, school work, social life and | | | | and cleaning supplies for their room are |
| extra-curricular activity, are they committed | | | | probably needed. |
| and goal-oriented? | | | | |
| | | | Pack it all in a storage container that they |
| - How does your teen feel about leaving the | | | | can reuse. Wrap the gifts up in a new towel, |
| home, living away from home, leaving for | | | | small bucket or other useable item. Get |
| college? | | | | creative! Make sure you send a personal note |
| | | | or a card with the gift. |
| - What is their level of self-sufficiency, | | | | |