Congratulations! A significant chapter has ended in the life of your high school student.
They have crossed the ceremonial stage, turned their tassel to left and are college-bound. For parents and families, this can be an emotional time as you prepare to send your student and some of their cherished items to a new home away from home.
As your student begins their farewell tour with family members and friends, how can you create memorable moments together?
We asked Andrea Culver - mother of a Golden Flash and member of the Flashes Parents and Families Council - for her insight.
1. Tackle the lists separate and 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 child items they can purchase and be responsible for. Work together on purchasing 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 by their side, you are also providing them with the tools they will need to live on their own.
2. Prepare meals
Plan for your child to prepare a meal weekly, if possible. They should be responsible for planning the meal, choosing the recipe, shopping, and cooking. You can step in and help where needed. Allowing your child to prepare and serve dinner gives you time to relax before sitting down together for a meal. This also prepares your child for shopping and cooking on their own!
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 child 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 children 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!