As the summer dwindled and the countdown to my daughter’s college departure began, I found myself immersed in a flurry of preparation. I crafted shopping lists, packing lists, registration forms, and move-in checklists. If you’re feeling lost in this whirlwind, a quick online search reveals countless resources. I approached these guides with the same determination I once had for final exams, especially those titled “Must-Know Life Skills Your Child Should Master Before College.”
Despite having 18 years to prepare, I quickly realized I had a significant list of conversations and lessons that had slipped through the cracks. The clock was ticking, and there was simply no way to cover everything I wished I had before she embarked on this new journey.
Here’s a glimpse of what I missed according to various articles:
- How to Read a Paper Map: In my defense, do they even exist anymore with the prevalence of smartphones?
- Basic Cooking Skills: While she’s not a fan of cooking, she has mastered baking delicious cookies and whipping up instant macaroni and cheese. Does that count?
- Meal Planning: Well, that one didn’t happen either.
- Overnight Campus Policies: Seriously, do parents really believe their kids will stay on campus for four years just because they said so?
- Car Maintenance Basics: I can’t teach what I don’t know, but I can hand her a coupon for Jiffy Lube!
- Sewing Skills: Admittedly, I dropped the ball here, though I did introduce her to the wonders of double-sided tape.
- Making a Bed: The skill of hospital corners is truly a challenge, especially when your teen is avoiding getting out of bed.
When I first realized all that I hadn’t covered, I felt a wave of panic wash over me, worrying that my time with her was wasted. But then, something happened. Just three weeks before she was set to leave, my daughter and her friends faced a flat tire situation. Instead of reaching out to us or AAA (of which she is a member), they rolled up their sleeves, found an instruction manual, and watched a YouTube video. They managed to change the tire all on their own!
This moment reassured me that while I may not have ticked off every item on my parenting checklist, my daughter has the intelligence and resourcefulness to navigate challenges independently. Letting go of my to-do list allowed us to shift our focus from last-minute lessons to embracing the excitement of her new adventure ahead. After all, she’s ready to forge her own path, just as we once did.
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In summary, while I may have missed teaching my daughter some life skills, her ability to adapt and learn on her own brings me comfort. It’s a reminder that our children are capable of so much, and sometimes, they figure things out in ways we never anticipated.
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