It’s a new era for college kids. They are no longer just the traditional 18-22-year-olds who are fresh out of high school and venturing off to live on their own for the first time. Instead, college students today come from all walks of life and have diverse experiences that range well beyond the classroom.
This is why parents need to be even more intentional about what they teach their kids while they’re away at school. Here are four important life skills that every parent should make sure their college kid knows how to do!
How to Do Laundry
No matter where your child is living during their college years – whether it’s in a dorm, an apartment, or at home – they’re going to need to know how to do laundry. This includes everything from separating their clothes into lights and darks to pretreating stains to actually operating the washing machine and dryer. Help them out by giving them a little tutorial before they head off to school and make sure they have all the supplies they need (laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc.). Laundry might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many college kids don’t know how to do it! Don’t let your child be one of them.
How to Cook
Gone are the days when the college dining hall was the only option for food. With the rise of food delivery services and the popularity of cooking shows, more and more college students are taking an interest in cooking. But just because your child is interested in cooking doesn’t mean they know how to do it. Sit down with them before they head off to school and teach them some basics – how to read a recipe, how to chop vegetables, how to use common kitchen appliances, etc. Even if they never end up cooking a meal from start to finish, at least they’ll know how! And who knows, maybe your child will even surprise you with their culinary skills when they come home for visits.
How to Budget
Money is one of the biggest stresses for college students. They’re constantly being inundated with ads and offers for credit cards, student loans, and other financial products. It’s important that parents sit down with their kids and teach them how to budget before they head off to school. This includes helping them understand the difference between needs and wants, setting spending limits, tracking their expenses, and saving for future goals. There are a lot of helpful resources out there for teaching kids about money – from books to websites to apps. Do some research and find one that you think will work best for your child.
Debt Management
In addition to budgeting, it’s important that parents also teach their kids about debt management. This is especially important for students who are taking out student loans. Help them understand the difference between federal and private loans, the importance of making timely payments, and the consequences of defaulting on a loan. You can also provide resources for them to help consolidate or refinance their loans after graduation. Also, show them how to compare credit card offers and make smart decisions about using credit. There’s a lot to learn about managing debt, but it’s an important life skill that every college student should know.
These are just a few of the many important life skills that parents should teach their college kids. Other skills include time management, stress management, communication, and conflict resolution. The most important thing is to be intentional about what you teach your child and to make sure they are prepared for the challenges they will face in college and beyond.