Seeing your children grow up is a bittersweet experience. It’s wonderful to see them turn into adults and make their own paths, but it can be hard to see them go. Still, it’s important to keep on supporting them as they get older and consider university options.
Once your child goes to university or other higher education, they’re essentially entering the world as adults for the first time. Here are a few ways to make sure they’re prepared for it, without taking over their lives.
Life Skills
While the bulk of your child's education might take place in school, there are still plenty of things you need to teach your kids, including basic life skills. You can start young and help your children to prepare themselves for adult life and leaving home.
You can give your children chores when they're young. This lightens your load, but even more importantly, it teaches your children how to take responsibility for their home and how to do basic chores. People aren't born with the ability to use a hoover or clean a bathroom, they need to learn and, ideally, from a young age.
You also need to teach your kids how to cook basic meals. Even if they never become a great cook, they at least have the ability to survive without relying on takeout.
Finally, always make sure your children are financially literate. Teach them how to save money, make a budget, and be responsible with their money.
Finding a Place to Stay
While your kids might be able to stay at home if they go to a local college, most students choose to stay in dorms. This is an important step toward helping them become more independent.
Make sure to start looking as soon as you know where your kids are going. So, if they're going to Lancaster university, then they can find Lancaster student accommodation and get settled as early as possible.
Make sure they're prepared for what life in student accommodation might mean. They may need to share accommodation with other people, so see if they can find good roommates before they have to settle down. This might save them some drama and potential misunderstanding if they have to stay with people they don't get on with.
Earning Money as a Student
While you may have saved for your child's college fund from their early age, they may still need to work while they study. Help them to find student jobs before they are in a desperate need for funds.
Some jobs are especially good for students, like working as a barista or in a small retail store. This is because they might have shorter, more flexible shifts so students can work around their classes and studies.
Working while they're in university can also help your kids to build up their work experience and customer service skills. Make sure they have a balance between work, study, and their social life.