As a parent with a teenager preparing to go off to college there is plenty of advice I am sure you are anxious to give. However according to Suzanne Shaffer from the blog Parents Countdown to College Coach there are 10 concepts that your teen should know before they ever step foot onto a college campus.
- Consequences: Actions have consequences whether they are good or bad.
- Self Respect: If teens respect themselves they are less likely to seek approval from others.
- Rules: Following the rules is a source of protection not a restriction.
- Communication: Open communication is the key to good relationships.
- Self Reliance: When given responsibly teens have a greater opportunity to learn how to make wise choices.
- Gratitude: Teach your child to work for what they want; they will be more productive adults.
- Boundaries: Help your child to know what is expected of them. Boundaries give them a feeling of stability and a feeling of safety.
- Self-Control: Having the ability to stay calm in a frustrating situation will greatly help your teen with their interactions with others.
- Consistency: With actions there are consequences be sure to be consistent with your teen to help them to know what to expect.
- Praise: Give praise liberally; less frequently than criticism.
Teaching your teens these concepts will allow them a much more positive experience as they enter college. They will be able to transition much more easily into the world of being an adult.
If you would like to read more about these concepts then be sure to check out this article.
