Things You Must Discuss with Your Child Before They Leave for College

20th May 2023 was my son's last IB exam. I was wondering how he has grown up so fast and how time has seamlessly flown by. Watching him get ready in his school uniform- probably for the last time after 13 years- there was a flash of mixed emotions. Happiness, apprehension, emptiness, the nostalgia of their childhood- the messy house, the giggles, the inherent but comforting endless noises, and much more. And now? To a whole new world, living their lives for their education, in a different country. All to discover themselves. I am sure this resonates with many parents.

As parents, one of our primary responsibilities is to prepare our children for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. When our children prepare to leave for college or university, it becomes crucial to engage with them in thoughtful discussions about various aspects of their transition. This will help them navigate through this change and transition smoothly with the necessary knowledge, skills, resources, and emotional support essential to their new and a beautiful journey.

Financial Responsibility

One of the most vital discussions is about financial responsibility. Parents should ensure their children understand the importance of budgeting, managing expenses, and handling credit responsibly. Teach them the significance of saving and how to set financial goals. By empowering them with financial knowledge, we help them develop good money habits that will serve them well throughout their college years and beyond. Although, this does not mean we as parents dictate every financial action our children take. Our integral role is to relinquish control, while teaching them the importance of financial responsibility- enabling them to develop those skills themselves.

Academic Responsibility

They are finally liberated when they go to university and such freedom comes with great responsibility. One thing all parents can relate to- without exaggeration- are the ridiculous expenses for UNI life and just how much financial investment goes into our children's' international living. As a result, we must encourage our children to make most of this unique experience. Discuss the importance of time management, class attendance, and meeting assignment deadlines. Emphasize the significance of studying regularly and seeking help when needed. Preparing children for the academic challenges they will face is vital. We must encourage them to explore different study techniques and resources available on campus (i.e. electives, clubs, various organizations, etc.).

Work-Life Balance

Additionally, discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, setting realistic academic expectations, and engaging in extracurricular activities that align with their interests. Through this we can help them maintain their academic goals, as well as their mental and physical health sustainably.

Mental Health

College life often introduces new experiences- with which come various challenges. Parents should discuss the importance of maintaining physical health (i.e. regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep). Encourage them to seek out campus health services and educate them about responsible alcohol and drug use. Be aware of their mental health (i.e. stress management techniques or seeking out counseling). As parents be intuitive and check if something is bothering them, creating a safe environment for them to communicate with you comfortably.

Personal Safety

Discussing personal safety and responsibility is also essential. Talk about basic safety precautions: locking doors, being cautious in unfamiliar areas, practicing responsible drinking, etc. Educate them about consent and healthy relationships with individuals. Emphasize the significance of personal accountability and adhering to campus and national rules and regulations. Discuss the potential risks of social media and the importance of maintaining online privacy- and its consequences. Equipping them with knowledge about safety measures empowers them to make informed choices and navigate their surroundings confidently.

At the end of the day, it's their life and not ours, so let them explore and find out who they truly are- what they love, enjoy, and are passionate about. Best of luck!

Schools in Japan are not cleaned by janitors. Students, on the other hand, roll up their sleeves and clean every inch of their campus, even the bathrooms. Yes! Students, teachers, school employees, and even the most senior school officials, such as the vice-principal and principal, all pitch in to clean, with each person having their own allotted area. Every day, Japanese schools have “souji,” or cleaning time. Before the real cleaning begins, some students wear a tenugui (bandanna) on their heads and sit in quiet for a few minutes to meditate and prepare their minds and bodies, a practice known as “mokuso.”