Change of Address: 10 Tips for Dropping Kids Off at College

10 Tips for Dropping Kids Off at College

Several of my friends are dropping their kids off at college for the first time and it’s very easy to see who is going to handle this life change well and who is going to be a complete train wreck. It’s such an emotional roller coaster as you are excited for your children and having severe anxiety attacks with levels of worry that you didn’t even know you were capable of achieving. Yep, that’s all 100% natural and all parents eventually go through it. You have a baby that is now mostly grown up and leaving the nest. It’s a critical time and you want to see them fly and not drop like a brick once they leave the nest (sorry, had to say it). Step 1 is the big drop-off. Here are 10 tips for dropping kids off at college for the first time.

Be there. Don’t just help your child pack up the car and watch them drive off into the sunset. This isn’t the movies… Go with your child and make sure that they get settled into their dorm/apartment so that you both are at ease.

Road trip. If you can make it an experience and plan out stops on the drive that will be something that you and your child can hold onto for the challenging days that will be coming. I can assure you that this is also a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime. One last pre-empty nest trip.

Text messaging drills. Ha, just kidding. Text messaging is a great way to keep in touch with your child. As you know they are capable of hundreds of messages per day so one or two more from you won’t be a bother at all. Again, this is more about making yourself more available to them any way you can to help them with any decisions they may be facing.

Setup Skype. Skype is a must-have. Before they leave make sure they help you setup your camera and microphone at home (because you know they surely can do it faster than you). When you get to school make sure they set their side up as well. Skype is a great way to see their mug and to ease any homesick blues.

Schedule sync. Get familiar with their daily schedule and make sure they know where they need to go their first day to get off to a good start. Also, keep them aware of your schedule too so they know the best times to contact you to get your undivided attention.

Groceries. Make sure you start them off with an ample supply of soda (caffeine), coffee, bread, peanut butter, etc. All the things you lived on when you were in college (less the beer – they are on their own for things like that and trust me… you don’t want to know).

Utilities. If they are going to an apartment instead of a dorm make sure they have all of their utilities working and in their (or your) name. So electricity, gas, telephone, cable tv, and INTERNET ACCESS (so vital). In the dorms all of this should be taken care of for you so no worries.

Cash. Just because they will no longer be home doesn’t mean that you can’t close down the ATM machine that is your wallet. Make sure they have some cash and that you have worked out how much you are going to be sending them on a weekly or monthly basis so they can budget accordingly (do make them budget, it’s important).

Computer, Books, other Supplies. They are there to get an education, right? So make sure they have everything they need in order to get the most out of their time in school. Leave them no excuses and make sure they have the supplies they need to succeed in school.

Emergency plans. Make sure they know what to do in cases of an emergency be it medical, weather-related, fires, etc. They need to know their health and property insurance information and should have access to an emergency fund (perhaps a refillable debit/credit card).

Well this list could go on and on… Just like you sometimes thought that their days at home with you would never end. Well, the time has come and now I am sure you are wondering where all the years went. This is a difficult and emotional time, but it’s one more memory that you need to do your best to truly cherish.