How to Prepare Your Teen for Starting University
Teenagers can be tricky to parent. It’s pretty much a universal fact. Everyone knows that being a mum or dad to a teen can be a tricky task. Kids this age are on the cusp of adulthood. There’s so much they can do independently. So, it’s no big surprise that they spend a heck of a lot of their time thinking they know best. But the problem is they mostly do need your guidance, although they’ll never admit this.
The teen years are a period of lots of change. There’s so much pressure on teens to do well and set the tone for their future. With exams to take, driving tests to pass, and all while they’re getting to grips with their independence, there’s no wonder it’s a difficult time. One of the biggest transitions that happens in the teenage years is starting university. Getting through their A levels to secure a uni place is tough enough. But after all that study, it’s time for a new challenge.
Starting uni is a huge milestone. As a mum or dad of a student, you’ll probably be seriously concerned about how they’ll cope. For most teens, heading to uni is their first experience of an extended time away from home. It’s totally natural to be concerned. So, it’s really helpful to prepare your teen for this new chapter. Here’s how you can help make starting university easier for your teenager:
Find the Right Accommodation
Where your teen will live when they study can have a huge impact on their university experience. Being in accommodation that’s in a convenient location can make life so much easier. But as well as being convenient, you need to be sure that your teen feels comfortable and safe where they’re staying. Looking for student houses with your teen is the best way to make the right choice. Helping them research different accommodation options is an excellent idea. You’ll need to be sure to start the search as soon as you can to get the best choice.
Teach Money Management
Managing their own money is something many teens struggle with. Figuring out how to make their student loan last beyond freshers week can be tough. This is something you’ll probably need to help with. Reminding your teenager of the importance of setting a budget and sticking with it is essential. Figuring out how much they need to get by during their studies and allocating their money according to this will make life so much easier.
All this help with money management should prevent any phone calls asking to borrow cash from you.
Show Them How to Cook
One massive worry for parents is that their kids won’t be able to fend for themselves at uni. Worrying that they won’t eat healthily, or even anything at all, because they can’t cook is a big concern.
Teaching your teen to cook some budget-friendly recipes from scratch is a great idea. Making them super simple should make even reluctant teens cook.