Preparing Your Child for College

                                                                       

Every year I hear parents speaking in excited tones about their kids going to college.  When I hear this or hear a child speaking about their college I get excited too.  The fact that parent and child are on the same page is amazing to observe.  I even hear children talking about their future college experiences.  Informed parents prepare their children at a young age for this important life step.  That way, the child starts out goal oriented and will be preparing themselves for the experience.  Young people can’t be bullied into college, they have to recognize how important a college education is on their own.  Mom and dad, that is where you come in.   Is a college education really important to you or are you just parroting what society is telling you?

First, I observe that serious parents do motivate their children.  I know many of them.  Take your children’s school work seriously.  Don’t slip on homework.  Make sure it is done and they understand the assignment.   When children are doing well academically they will love school and feel confident about their educational experience.  If they have trouble with a specific subject, get help immediately.  Introduce your child to the world and the world outside of their immediate environment.  It helps develop curiosity.  Curiosity will help them want to learn about their world and more.  The more they know about the outside world, the more they will embrace change and grow with society.  Also, the more information you “have in your brain” the easier it is to understand school lessons.  Your brain will make more connections with the text, concepts and ideas.  Talk to your child.  Find out what is on his/her mind.  They have minds like sponges, so accommodate that hunger – ALL kids have it.  Make your child want to explore and don’t teach him/her fear.  Fear of normal fear-based things are ok.  Don’t encourage students to be afraid of new ideas or a concept that is outside of their experience.  The world is getting smaller so tomorrows’ workers or entrepreneurs will be working with a variety of people and ideas.  There cannot be fear in these relationships or your child will be left way behind.

Finally, when your child goes to college, encourage him/her to become involved in activities.  This is where they will meet their future friends and business contacts.  Also, if the child is moving towards a specific career path, encourage them to join a professional organization.  The members will be happy to help a young ambitious person.  In turn the student will have contacts in the industry before entering the job market and a possible internship/job opportunity waiting for them.  I see parents waiting until the student is in their junior year before bringing up college -  way too late.  An education is supposed to prepare you for a future filled with exploration and growth.  If the student is not open for that, mom and dad you will be wasting your money. So, prepare, prepare, prepare as soon as possible and you will have a child who will cherish their college experience and enter the world ready for a bright future.

Sigrid Channer