As a young adult, more specifically as a teenager, the idea of preparing for college seems scary and more often than none is also confusing. It’s a whole new world which is out of the comfort zone that high school provides. It’s not only a tasking ordeal for the college aspirants but for the parents as well.

Parents of teenagers will have their own ideas on what is best for their children. In order for your teenager to get the best of what he or she deserves, deciding for college should be a joint effort with ample amount of encouragement and help from you as a parent. The first step in helping your children plan for college is accepting that your baby has grown up and needs to step out into the real world to spread his or her own wings.

The idea of planning for college should be something that you think about when your children are at a young tender age. This sort of planning mostly refers to the financial planning. You should start saving for their higher education years in advance. Also, encourage them to indulge in part time jobs or summer jobs to help pay for tuition. This will help instill good values from early on before they are too dependent on you as a financial source.

Beyond the financial planning, also encourage them to do well academically. This will increase their chances of getting into a good college and availing scholarships that may come his or her way. Allow them to ask you questions about your experiences. Talk to them about good decision making and which mistakes to avoid. However, give them the freedom they deserve to make mistakes and learn from the experience. Do not be overbearing and stubborn. It is their experience to live, not yours to relive.

Once your children are closer to applying to colleges, it will be helpful to go over what they plan to do. Career goals are important to know at this point because it will allow them to plan their classes and choose colleges. This should be done when in high school itself. This will allow them to choose certain subjects that will aid them in their quest to finding a good college.

At this point, it is also wise to encourage extra-curricular activities. Tell them the benefits about having a part time job or being part of a club.

Help your child further by aiding him in doing well during the SATs. Offer pep talks and enroll him or her in tuition classes. If you do not want him or her to be a part of tuition classes, provide him with good literature that will help him practice for the SATs. The SATs are one of the biggest steps in getting your child into the college he or she desires.

Towards senior year, help them choose the right colleges and prepare for any college entrance exams that may be there. Help them research different colleges and narrow down the best and most realistic ones. It’s always good to be realistic with your adolescent since it prepares them for the real world. At this point, it would also be good to discuss the finances with the child so he or she knows that to expect.

Ultimately, there should be a line which is drawn. As a parent you can only do so much, but you cannot make the decisions for your child. Encourage your child to make his or her own decisions. At the most you can help in planning, but not in taking action.

Jonathan Pitts

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jonathan Pitts