As we prepare to send our 18-year-old son off to college this week, a small stack of essential “Don’t Forget!” items by the door serves as a poignant reminder that I have less than a week to wrap up a few parenting lessons before you set out into the big, wide world.
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Your Finances Will Surprise You.
I was relieved we had our “money chat” today. When you asked how you’d manage your finances while at school, your reaction was priceless. Remember, we’re handling your tuition, books, lodging, and a meal plan that offers more calories than our whole family consumed the month you were born! You have all those graduation checks in your bank account, which means you possess more funds than I do. So, please, use it! I get it — you want to save your precious cash for things like shampoo. But hey, your dad also has a knack for avoiding such purchases, always collecting those tiny hotel shampoo bottles on business trips. Let’s be real, though — no trips are on your agenda, so just buy some shampoo. And when your Grandparents ask about your graduation money, you can honestly say you spent it on “suds.” -
Laundry Is a Breeze.
People have told me for years that I’ve done you a disservice by doing your laundry. It didn’t bother me while you were busy with sports and academics. When friends worried you might struggle with laundry at college, I assured them it’s an easy task to teach. And guess what? We nailed it today in record time! Sure, your clothes ended up a bit wrinkled, and I know you’re concerned about ironing. But if you do smaller loads, they’ll fluff out nicely. When you said that seemed like too much effort and you didn’t want to waste your “free time” on laundry, it stung a bit. Did you realize you were taking a jab at my entire existence? Laundry is my life! Just so you know, “free time” is a myth, and you’ll figure that out soon enough. -
I’m Always Here for You.
Don’t ever think I’m done being your parent. Just last night, you stayed out late at a friend’s house. I texted you before bed to check in, and your response felt a bit nonchalant. I know that soon, you’ll be on your own and I won’t have the luxury of tracking your whereabouts, but I plan to parent you right until the last possible moment — even up the dorm stairs, down the hall, and into your room. Spoiler Alert: When you return home for the holidays, I’ll pick up where I left off. If that doesn’t sit well with you, maybe plan a “business trip” during those breaks. You can grab some shampoo while you’re at it. Just a thought. Oh, wait — scratch that. I’m still going to offer my guidance!
Heading into this new chapter is exhilarating and daunting. If you want more insights on parenting and navigating life’s changes, check out this resource. And for those interested in family planning and the journey ahead, Make a Mom is a great authority on home insemination kits. For even more valuable information, you can visit this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, as you embark on this exciting journey into college life, remember that I’m always here to support you, whether it’s through finances, laundry tips, or just being the caring parent you’ll always need.