Set up a financial plan
 
Teach Budgeting Basics – Show your student how to track expenses and create a budget. Put it into practice. Have them do their own or the family budget for a month so they get the hang of it. If they are thinking about opportunity costs, they will be calling you less often asking for more money.

1. Set Up a Bank Account – Help them open a checking and savings account if they don’t have one already. Encourage them to sign up for round up savings. It adds up quickly and can become either “fun money” or the start of savings/investing for after they get their degree.
2. Discuss Credit and Debt – Educate them on responsible credit card use and how to avoid debt pitfalls. I like the idea of paying CC first THEN spending the credit. Use it ONLY for specific things (we did it for gas) No late fees and they’re building credit.

Preparing for Life on Their Own

1. Teach Basic Life Skills – I know you’ve had them doing chores for years now but this is a good time to add any tips or tricks that you may have forgotten to share over the years. Make sure your student knows how to do laundry, cook simple meals, and manage basic home maintenance. 
2. Encourage Independence – Allow them to take charge of responsibilities like scheduling appointments and managing their own schedule. They will be asked to meet with professors, administrators and counselors without you there. Have them practice by setting dental appointments and keeping a calendar of events and DO NOT REMIND them, I know it hard, but you have to let them fall if they’re going to get back up. Easier now on little things than later on with big things.
3. Discuss Safety and Emergency Preparedness – Go over basic personal safety, handling emergencies, and who to call in different situations. Hammer home how important it is to be aware of your surroundings. Remind them that there is safety in numbers.
4. Set Expectations for Communication – Establish how often you’ll check in and the best ways to stay in touch. You want to stay “in the know” without being a helicopter parent. Assure them that you are always just a call away and TRY not to bug them. They will be busy with class, making new friends and trying to navigate a new life on their OWN.
5. Talk about Mental Health - Normalize conversations about stress, anxiety, and where to seek help if needed. Most schools have entire departments dedicated to mental health. Be sure your student knows they can just drop in and chat or pick up resources if they need them. “All the cool kids are doing it”

Spending Quality Time Before Graduation

1. Plan Special Activities – Take a family trip, have a movie night, or cook their favorite meal together.
2. Have One-on-One Conversations – Spend intentional time talking about their hopes and concerns for the future. Most importantly LISTEN – don’t project your hopes on them, they are young adults and are discovering their own passions – give them room to explore, make mistakes, and find their way. (Easier said than done, I KNOW)
3. Write a Letter to Your Graduate – A heartfelt letter with your hopes, advice, and love will be a cherished keepsake. I like the idea of sending it 2 or 3 weeks into the first semester. They’ve settled in and are likely missing home and could use some encouragement.

Balancing Work and School

1. Encourage a Part-Time Job – Help them find work that won’t interfere with their studies but provides financial stability. Have them ask the school about work study. Often times you can get jobs that are super flexible for studies
2. Discuss Time Management – Help them create a schedule that balances classes, work, and social life. Lots of calendars and apps that can help with this.
3. Set Realistic Work Hours – Encourage a part-time job that doesn’t interfere with academics. Remember to plan 2 hours of study for every credit hour. 15 credit hours + 30 study hours = 45 academic hours, it’s a LOT.
4. Prioritize Academics – Remind them that school is the primary focus, and work should be secondary.

Planning the Open House

1. Choose a Theme – Whether it’s school colors or a personalized vibe, a theme adds fun and cohesion.
2. Set a Budget – Decide how much you want to spend on food, decor, and entertainment.
3. Plan a Menu – Finger foods, a taco bar, or BBQ are great crowd-pleasers. It’s also becoming more popular for the parent(s) to provide the main course and drinks and have family and friends bring a dish to share.
4. Create a Memory Table – Display photos, achievements, and mementos from your student’s school years. – Start boxing up (or crafting) these items NOW. You’re going to have enough on your plate in June to worry about mounting pictures and finding their 2^nd grade report card.
5. Hire Fun By The Yard for Decorations – (See what I did there) Celebrate in style with yard cards and balloon arrangements that make a statement. You already know how our services decorate your memories, or you wouldn’t be reading this. But I mention it because grad season is our busiest time of year.   If you wait until June, you will be hard pressed to get on our calendar. We bring in season help in preparation of helping as many families as we can, but we start booking in February.
6. Send Invitations Early – Give guests enough notice to plan. – Likely your friends and the students’ friends are in the same season of life and will have several parties to go to this summer. Also, venues book up earlier and earlier every year. If you are hosting in your back yard – rent your tent, tables and chairs NOW – you won’t be able to find them in May/June. Also, lock your bathroom door and rent a port a potty if you don’t want septic issues.
7. Have a Guest Book or Advice Cards – Let guests share their wisdom and well-wishes. Here’s a fun way to do that – Have the guests bring a photo of the graduate and themselves from when they were younger and write advice on the back. Then they can be put into an album and be pulled out when they need words of encouragement.
8. Prepare for Weather – If hosting outdoors, have a backup plan in case of rain. And if you want balloons – know that mother nature and balloons are not friends – we highly encourage you to display them under a tent, inside the garage, or better yet, INSIDE.

Celebrating Commencement Day

1. Hire Fun By The Yard  (Again!) – Greet guests with a yard card or balloons that make your graduate feel extra special. They make great photos when they have their cap and gown on.
2. Plan for Traffic and Parking – Arrive early to get good seats. – The best place for photos is where your student will be exiting the stage after receiving the diploma. Typically, that is stage right.!
3. Charge Your Phone & Bring Tissues – You’ll want plenty of photos and may shed a tear or two!
4. Don’t be “THAT” person. – We know you’re proud of your student (we all are) but PLEASE do not cat call or shout when your student’s name is called. You wouldn’t want someone else spoiling your moment, so don’t do it to someone else. There will be plenty of time for praise, hugs, kisses, and photos afterwards.

Packing for the Dorm Room

1. Create a Packing Checklist – Cover essentials like bedding, toiletries, and kitchen supplies. Be sure they cross check with their roommate – no need for two of everything.
2. Pack Smart – Encourage multi-use items and space-saving storage solutions.
3. Don’t Overpack – Dorm rooms are small; prioritize must-haves over wants.
4. Include a First-Aid Kit – Basic medicines and bandages can be lifesavers.
5. Drive Down the day before move in - Don't buy items and transport them across the state to campus, instead drive down early and find a Target, Cosco, or Walmart near school and buy essentials there.  Take time to explore the area outside of campus, and be well rested the next day for move in.  The student will learn about their new area, you'll feel better knowing the ins and outs, and BONUS....more time with the kiddo.
6. Send a Few Comfort Items – A favorite blanket or photos from home can make the transition easier.
7. Ask if your student wants you to hang out and help unpack and set up their room or not. Some students appreciate it and others look forward to doing it on their own. It seems like a little thing – but to them it’s a BIG deal to set up their own “first place”

Handling Empty Nest Syndrome

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions – It’s okay to feel sad, excited, or even a little lost. Remember what we said about mental health? – it applies to YOU too!
2. Plan for Self-Care – Pick up a new hobby, join a club, or schedule some weekend getaways. On a personal note – I recommend Pickle Ball!
3. Stay Connected But Give Space – Let your student enjoy their independence while still offering support.
4. They WILL call - gone are the days when we were young adults when calling home meant long distance phone calls once a week.  Your student is just a call, text, or facetime away.  I'll be you hear from them more now than when they were living under your roof.

This season is full of change, but with careful planning and meaningful moments, you can make it a smooth and memorable transition for both you and your student. Congratulations parents, your hard work has paid off!