So as my daughter gets ready to go to college, she is preparing for an unfamiliar and independent life. There are many preparations going on. Clothes. Bed and bath stuff. Electric kettle. Deciding whether to buy a hair straightener or hair curler. Stationery supplies. Laundry hamper. Toiletries. Travelling iron………. And then I realise that I am only addressing her physical needs. What about her mental and emotional needs. So here goes my 10 Suggestions for what parents of teenagers leaving home can say in a 121, heart-to-heart talk. Please find a suitable place and time to talk about these topics. One helpful practice is for both of you to take 3 deep breaths.
Note: There are many more things that you may decide to share. Please add, modify, delete 😊
1. Peer pressure can be tough. Coping well with peer influence is about getting the right balance between being yourself and fitting in with your group.
2. Having alcohol and smoking may seem cool. Understand their harmful effects and practice in moderation.
3. Drugs are addictive and can take you down the rabbit hole very rapidly. Experiment, IF you must. But be very, very careful not to get addicted.
4. Practice safe sex. Even if you are drunk, try to remember that.
5. Manage your finances wisely. And enrol in a basic money management course. That will stand you in good stead in life.
6. Put in your best efforts to maintain your grades. Try and find out the practical application of what you are studying.
7. Read. Discuss. Travel. Learn as much as you can about life and the world we live in.
8. Be a good human being. Show kindness to the fellow students, the teachers, the workers, the things around you, the nature and above all – to YOURSELF!
9. Talk to me whenever you can. Share with me what is happening in your life especially if anything is not going right. Don’t be scared. I may get upset and anxious. Try and ignore that. I will get over that and help you find a solution.
10. I LOVE YOU. ALWAYS. NEVER FORGET THAT.
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