Preparing your High School Senior for College

In my last post, I began discussing tips for parents of high school seniors who are planning to go away to college next year. In this post, I've got a few more suggestions.

4. Set the contact rules. Discuss with your child how often he wants you to call. For some kids, several times a week is good. For others, once a week is more than enough. Don't forget to decide on Facebook rules. Are you allowed to post on your child's wall? Can you tag him in family photos? By establishing the rules with your child, you will avoid future conflict with him or her.

5. Have "The Talk." Yes, you've already talked to your child about sex, alcohol, and drugs. But it won't hurt to reinforce to your child your feelings and fears as he or she gets ready to go away to college.

6. Let go of the High School Parenting Model. Most parents are used to helping their kids study for tests and keep track of deadlines. Senior year is a great year to start phasing out this role as a parent. In college, your child will have to be 100% responsible for keeping track of his or her own homework and deadlines. Start backing off this year. If your child relies on you to wake him or her up for school every day, buy an alarm clock, make him or her set a "wake up time," and begin to take on that added responsibility.

7. Take your kid to college. When the first day finally comes next year, drive your child to college yourself. It may be a sad moment for you, but it's a huge event in your child's life. Be there and share that time. It will leave lasting memories for both of you!