Have a child going away to college for the first time? Before your teen leaves home, here is a checklist of simple skills to help smooth your child’s transition and build their independence.
Personal Responsibility Skills
- Laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Cooking simple items
- Reading a food label and identifying healthy food options
- Managing time
- Keeping a schedule – tracking appointments and deadlines
Financial Responsibility Skills
- Tracking expenses and budgeting
- Banking services – depositing and withdrawing money, online banking services
- Using an ATM machine and understanding ATM fees
- Writing a check
- Paying bills
- Understanding how a credit card works
Social Responsibility Skills
- Meeting people and introducing yourself
- Using table manners
- Internet safety – what to share / what not to share
Health Responsibility Skills
- What to do in a medical emergency
- Identifying student health or medical services on campus
- Simple first aid
- Refilling a prescription
- Reading an insurance card and understanding co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses
- Primary care physician contact information
- Managing stress and tips for where to turn for help
- Reviewing campus safety tips
- Understanding the dangers of drug and alcohol use
