How to get your kid ready for college

Getting Ready for College

My daughter begins her senior year of high school tomorrow. I cannot believe this day is here. It was just yesterday I was teaching her how to hit a softball, showing her how to use a computer, talking to her about middle school, explaining the birds and bees. Why does time go by so fast when it comes to kids?

As an adult we see time differently than kids. Whereas for her it's been a long 17 years, for me it's gone by in 6 months.

Naturally, she is talking about going to college. I've been very vocal in ensuring that she knows there are other options. I feel too many parents assume that college is the best thing for their kids when other choices such as the military, vocational or trade schools would be better.

A recent debate around our house is if she's ready for college. Myself, I think she's ready. The wife has some reservations. To me being ready for college is more a function of maturity, for the wife it's more about experience. This got me thinking there has to be something I can do to help grease the wheels so to speak.

Now, you might think I want to get rid of my daughter, push her out of the house. Nothing is further from the truth. What I do want is my daughter to begin to live her life and to learn there is a next phase. It makes more sense to me that she experience things on her own. Sure, we'll be there for her, but the best experience she can get is on her own.

We do have dinner every night at 6:30pm. Without a doubt I make sure dinner is ready and I try to fine the ones that don't show up. It's $20 for missing dinner. During the dinner time we talk about the day usually, so we have little time left for life engrossing and enhancing topics. I thought it best to do it online.

For the next 365 days I'll post advice columns for my daughter to help her prepare for college. Sometimes they'll be quick and easy, other times they'll be drawn out. The goal is to kickstart the process and help her understand that no one is truly ever ready to go to college.