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