If you’re about to send your kid off to college, it’s time to have The Talk- and we don’t mean the Birds and the Bees! In this episode, Laura and Beth introduce the podcast and talk about the things you should discuss with your kid as they prepare to become a college student! And you begin to prepare to parent “remotely”.

Topics to Cover

Finances (who pays for what, what’s their budget, etc.)- go over their financial aid package and bill with them, because it’s their bill, not yours

Communication (When and how and how often will you communicate)

Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll (What are your values and expectations around partying?)

Relationships (consent, respect, sexual misconduct- you can find a guide specific to this here.)

Grades (when/if-how they will share information about their academic performance)

Vital documents and information- make sure they have essential items like their health insurance card

Things to Practice (Have them do these things before they go away)

Ask them to find the list of things they need to do for their specific school before they arrive on campus- they will likely find this on the school’s orientation webpage. They should be responsible for completing the tasks with your help and support as needed.

Make their own medical appointment (and/or dentist)

Pick up a prescription

Do their own laundry

Go to the grocery store

Make a budget

Resources

5 Best Budget Apps for College Students

https://blog.cort.com/college/5-best-budget-apps-for-college-students/

Letting Go, Sixth Edition:

https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062400567/letting-go-sixth-edition/

The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only:

https://www.harlancohen.com/books/

Why Parents Should Suffer Through College Orientations:

https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2012/08/27/parent-college-orientation-barrios