As summer days dwindled and my daughter prepared to embark on her college journey, I found myself knee-deep in checklists: packing lists, registration lists, and of course, that all-important list of “Life Skills Your Child Needs Before College.” I tackled these lists with the same fervor I once reserved for final exams, eagerly scanning articles that promised essential lessons for young adults.
However, despite having 18 years to prep, I quickly realized I had a laundry list of crucial topics we never covered. And with time slipping away, I felt the weight of my parenting oversights grow heavier.
Here’s a peek into what I missed according to various parenting articles:
- Navigating a paper map. In my defense, do those even exist anymore with smartphones around?
- Cooking a few basic meals. My daughter isn’t exactly Julia Child; however, she can whip up a mean chocolate chip cookie and master the fine art of instant oatmeal. Does that count as culinary skills?
- Meal planning for the week. See above—let’s just say she prefers her meals quick and easy.
- Discussing expectations about leaving campus. Seriously, does anyone believe their child will strictly adhere to campus boundaries for four years?
- Basic car maintenance. I can’t teach what I don’t know! But hey, I could always give her a coupon for Jiffy Lube, right?
- Mending clothes. I admit it; I dropped the ball here. But I did introduce her to the magic of double-sided tape!
- Making a bed with hospital corners. The skill of a perfectly made bed is commendable, though it’s tough to teach when your teen is still snoozing, avoiding the sun.
When I realized my long list of omissions, panic set in. Had I truly failed as a parent? But then, just three weeks before her departure, something amazing happened: My daughter and her friends got a flat tire. Rather than calling for help, they rolled up their sleeves and, armed with a manual and some YouTube wisdom, changed the tire themselves. Who needs a lesson on car maintenance when you have determination and resourcefulness?
While I may not have completed every item on my parenting checklist, I found solace in knowing my daughter is smart, capable, and ready to learn on her own. Letting go of my worries about last-minute lessons allowed us to focus on the excitement of her new adventure. Just like we once did, she’s off to forge her own path.
For more insights into parenting and life lessons, check out our other blog posts like this one on home insemination kits, which offers great advice on important topics. And if you’re interested in fertility, this resource from Make A Mom is a must-read. For those exploring pregnancy, Healthline’s IVF guide is an excellent resource.
In the end, it’s important to remember that our children are more resilient than we often give them credit for, and they will learn what they need in their own time.