Preparing a child for college is something every parent would have to do. In some way, those hours spent grooming the child, teaching him how to tie his shoes, pack his lunch, getting him to participate in sports could all boil down to that particular day.
However, for those of us who can remember our first days in college, we know that college can both an equally exciting and intimidating experience. Much more than the physical aspects, the social and emotional aspects would also have to be catered to.
As you probably have guessed, preparing the kid for college should be something that should commence far ahead of the scheduled college period. A child needs to have enough time to imbibe, adopt and inculcate these behaviors, activities and values that would enable him (or her) function effectively toward his professional and personal objectives.
Reflecting upon our cumulative college experience, we decided to put up a list of salient points you should look into. You can find here tips and suggestions on the best you can do to appropriately prepare the kid for college.
1. It is important to identify the values that we are orienting the child
Basically, our values are reference points and the Source of how we select our priorities, in college and in life. Over and over again, in a fun, loving, subtle manner, we believe it is important to reinforce within the child the importance of hard work, creativity, diligence, management of finance, and resilience. This is so the child automatically exudes these values when they are called upon, and even under pressure.
2. Grooming the child toward future college courses
Similar to how we were, our kids would exhibit strong interests in different areas i.e. things that excite them, bore them, keep them occupied, or engage them over long periods. It would be in their interests if we take detailed notes of what occupies them, so we orient them toward these areas as future college courses, or maybe as a temporary vocation.
3. Selecting an ideal model as a reference point
There is nothing as helpful as giving the child a visual image to work towards. Almost always, children are unable to connect the dots between what they are going to be doing in college, and their role in their careers. Giving the child an exciting, responsible, high-achieving role model in his/her selected field of study, would enable the child foresee who he or she is going to become in a few years.
4. Emphasizing the importance of grades
Based on the workings of the present educational system, we understand that getting good grades is what would put the kids in a favorable negotiating position, and also help to attract scholarships. But one thing we do forget is that the kids do not know that.
Our duty then is, in a subtle manner, emphasize the importance of good grades. However, we should also be sure to include the reminder that good grades should come in tandem with in-depth knowledge of their studies.
5. Imbuing the child with flexibility and versatility
As some of us might have observed, our choice of college courses did not ultimately end up being our total career focus. We might have studied one field, but ended up being excited and interested about some other field. So, exposing the child to a variety of skills and interests might help the child embrace flexibility and uncertainty in different areas.
6. Helping the child integrate seamlessly into society
It is a sure thing that this is where taking part in sports, volunteer activities and other forms of social functions would be beneficial to the kid. Most times, as parents, we do think we should leave this process to occur naturally. Though these might be easy for some kids, it might not be easy for others.
We can observe and help those that are having difficulties, by putting them in perceived non-threatening situations, maybe with someone or people they like and feel comfortable, and then gradually we raise the stakes, until they feel comfortable making new acquaintances.
7. Emphasizing the importance of completion, and avoiding distractions
You know how importance it is, and the boost in self-esteem we get when we complete a task? It is also important to reinforce completion so the child understands that on commencement of college, it is expected that he would be completing it.
Stories are rife of people who did not complete college, but went on to found successful businesses. As much as the child would have the room for flexibility, it would be good to enforce the value of completing his studies, while working toward whatever venture he or she might have come up with.
8. Developing open channels for communication
As much as raising kids could be demanding, as parents we do know that it would also be rewarding. Thus, it is our duty to ensure that we maintain open channels of communication with our kids, with love and understanding, so that whatever ideas or information the child might want to share with us, he (or she) would not hesitate to do so.
Concluding, helping our kids prepare for college is not a day’s activity. So it would be beneficial to the kid if we begin early, well ahead of the college years, with the understanding that on completion of college, the kid is expected to be adequately prepared to join the workforce.
We hope these tips would be able to help you think long-term toward preparing your kid for college.