As your student begins making rounds with family and friends before heading off to college, how can you make this summer feel even more meaningful?
Below, Andrea Culver, parent of a Golden Flash and member of the Kent State Flashes Parents and Families Council, shares a few thoughtful ideas for creating lasting memories together before move-in day arrives.
1. Tackle your to-dos together
Together, create a list of what is needed for the residence hall and classes. Work through it as a team and individually. Give your student items they can purchase and be responsible for. Work together to purchase items such as bedding, towels, and computers. These joint purchases allow you to create memories with your college student. While we would love to tackle the entire list alongside them, you are also providing them with the tools they will need to live on their own.
2. Prepare meals
Plan for your student to prepare a meal weekly, if possible. They could be responsible for planning the meal, choosing the recipe, shopping and cooking. You can step in and help where needed. Allowing your student to prepare and serve dinner also gives you time to relax before sitting down together for a meal!
3. Text family
As a family, we have our group chat. I also created one just for my kids and me. I send quotes, pictures and messages periodically. Although their response may be limited to “thanks, Mom,” a "like," or "love" of the picture, or the “Read at (time)” notification on my phone, I have at least connected with them at some point throughout the day.
4. Plan activities
As a family, plan something to do in your area. It doesn’t have to be an over-the-top activity or one that requires a cost to attend. It could be as simple as planning a hike, visiting a park or volunteering. This provides your soon-to-be college student with the tools to look for events and activities on campus or within the town.
5. Share the memories
Share special memories with your student from your mobile device or picture album. This opens the door for them to ask you to send pictures they can save on their device when they leave. Our kids love seeing the pictures we have from when they were young through graduation with all of their friends.
Yes, one chapter has closed. However, your student is on the horizon of many explorations to come. Relax, relate, breathe and be on board for the ride. I hope you enjoy it!