So your girl is going off to college…
It feels like only yesterday she was taking her first steps and saying her first words. And now she's all grown up and getting ready to head off to college. As a mother, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions when your child leaves the nest. You may be excited for her and proud of all she's accomplished, but you may also feel anxious about letting her go.
Here are a few things you can do to help your daughter (and yourself) transition to this new chapter in her life.
Get Organized, now is the time to start helping your daughter get organized for college. Begin by creating a list of everything she'll need to take with her, from clothes and toiletries, self-care ideas to bedding and kitchen supplies. College dorms are typically small, so she'll need to be strategic about what she brings. Once you have your list, start to shop for items little by little so you're not overwhelmed (and so your wallet doesn't take too big of a hit all at once). These items don't all have to be new; gently used items from friends or family members can often do the trick just as well.
Next, help your daughter create a budget. She'll need to think about how much money she'll need for tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses. Once she has an estimate of her costs, she can start looking into scholarships, student loans, and part-time jobs that can help offset some of the expenses. And if you're able, consider setting up a college fund now; even if it's just a small amount each week, it can add up over time and make a big difference.
Communicate Regularly. One of the best ways to ease your anxiety about your daughter going off to college is to stay in touch with her regularly. Send her care packages filled with snacks and self-care items and a few gifts. Some of my favorites from Blush are a cute printed packet of facial rounds that are reusable, some coconut hand & body lotion, and maybe something that will make her laugh, like a candle that says “I f*cking love you” (her roommates will love you for it!), write her letters or postcards letting her know you're thinking of her, and give her regular calls or video chats so she knows you're just a call away if she needs anything. Encourage her to reach out to you as well—she may not call as often as you'd like, but hearing from her will mean the world.
Saying goodbye when your daughter heads off to college isn't easy. But by getting organized ahead of time, staying in touch regularly, and being there for her when she needs you, you can help make the transition smoother—for both of you. Congratulations on raising an amazing young woman—she's going to do great things!
