Tuesday, May 5, 2015

A Personal Message for Parents Sending A Child Off To College

What an incredibly happy time for any parent. You've already gone through the process of applying and visiting colleges and selecting THE ONE that suits your financial needs and the educational needs of your student.

Having gone through this three times I'd just like to share some observations and experiences.

I'm sure that I don't have to tell you that when the graduating class walks out of the ceremony it is very unlikely that they will all be together again. It would be like throwing a crossword puzzle in the air and expecting it to come down all together. They will all go their own ways to college, the service, jobs, etc. Point this out to your senior so they can spend some happy times with their friends and maybe some who they like but don't engage with daily.

Now for you and your family the same is true. Once your child leaves for school your family will never be quite the same. Sure, your student will be home for many happy occasions but he or she will no longer be the young person you had so much influence over. Even after the first semester they will have matured and become somewhat more independent. Just before they leave take a family vacation and insist everyone attend. It doesn't matter if it's a week or a day...be together as a family. And don't forget to take pictures and videos.

Now here's they part you won't like. Life is life, and life has tragedies. No one whats to think of losing their child but it can and will happen to someone. A college or technical school is a huge investment and one that may cause loans to be carried long after THAT graduation. I urge you to take out a term life insurance for the amount and time it takes to pay off the loans. A $200,000 10 year level term plan for an 18 year old non smoker will have an annual outlay of about 3 or 4 tanks of gas. Please do it.

Enjoy your summer together and the exciting years to follow.