Recently, I marked a significant milestone in the journey of parenthood. It’s an experience often discussed in passing, but rarely do you grasp its full weight until you’re fully immersed in it.
No, I’m not talking about cosmetic procedures or medical examinations. I’m referring to the experience of taking my daughter, Sarah, shopping for her college essentials.
This much-anticipated trip to popular retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target to gather necessary dorm items was filled with excitement, yet it also came with valuable lessons learned. For those of you preparing for similar outings in the near future, I would like to share some insights.
Before we dive into the dos and don’ts, if you feel inclined to express your gratitude, monetary contributions towards tuition would be appreciated.
Do’s:
- Obtain a mattress cover designed to guard against bed bugs, allergens, and other contaminants.
- Encourage her to select a decorative dry erase board for her dorm door.
- Purchase two sets of sheets to facilitate easy laundering.
- Acquire a minimum of 25 quality hangers to organize her clothing.
- Stock up on Command Damage-Free hooks and adhesive for hanging items.
- Buy colorful, vibrant towels for her use.
- Assure her that communal bathrooms are manageable.
- Treat her to a lunch outing to celebrate this new chapter.
- Acknowledge her feelings of anxiety about leaving home.
- Provide her with a pepper spray vial for added safety.
- Invest in a high-quality memory foam mattress topper.
- Get her a microwave for convenience.
- Allow her to indulge in a couple of items that bring her joy.
- Compliment her on the aesthetics of a mini-fridge.
- Conceal a few surprises in her bags for a warm send-off.
- Ensure she has an umbrella for inclement weather.
- Assemble a care package that includes over-the-counter medications and first-aid supplies.
- Remind her to plan for the multitude of items currently cluttering her space.
- Exercise patience when she seems to reject your guidance.
- Cherish the moments spent together, framing them as a beginning rather than an end.
Don’ts:
- Don’t dwell on the implications of “other contaminants.”
- Avoid mentioning that her dry erase board will likely become a canvas for ill-advised doodles.
- Refrain from projecting that the second set of sheets may remain untouched.
- Don’t disclose that only a fraction of the hangers will fit in her allotted closet space.
- Steer clear of suggesting that nothing adheres well to cinder-block walls, which are standard in many dorms.
- Don’t think about the implications of her colorful towels in shared restroom situations.
- Avoid grimacing when discussing the realities of communal living.
- Don’t let her realize this lunch is her last taste of home-cooked meals for a while.
- Resist the urge to panic when she expresses uncertainty about packing.
- Don’t let her know that this might be the last time you cover her expenses.
- Avoid pointing out the mini-fridge’s limited storage capacity.
- Don’t let her see you as a “surprise” in her packing.
- Don’t imply that an umbrella is a foolproof method for staying dry in heavy rain.
- Avoid neglecting to follow up on her health supplies.
- Don’t fret about the items she plans to leave behind.
- Try not to chuckle when she later calls to concede your advice was sound.
As you prepare for this poignant transition, remember that while it signifies a change, it also heralds new beginnings filled with potential. For further insights, consider exploring this other blog post.
In conclusion, equipping your child for college is a blend of practicality and emotional support. Balancing these aspects can create a smoother transition into this exciting new phase of life.
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