Tip #1:Instill last-minute lessons. Listen to your child. Is he/she having last-minute doubts about being away from home?
Tip #2: Throw a send-off party. Get creative with gifts that symbolize freedom and responsibility, such as a basic cookbook, a box of laundry detergent with a roll of quarters or a keychain with money for a cab ride.
Tip #3: Keep the lines of communication open. Set up a weekly check-in routine such as email updates or Sunday-morning calls. Discuss communication expectations before your student leaves for school: How much is enough?
Tip #4:Develop an adult relationship with your child. Ask your teenager how he/she envisions your relationship with each other changing over time. Share your hopes and plans for the future.
Tip #5: Now is a good time to focus on yourself! Sign up for a class you always wanted to try, volunteer—in other words, keep busy. Before you know it the void of your child’s absence will be filled with interesting things you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have time to before.
Tip #6:Love your child enough to let them make his/her own mistakes. It’s OK if he/she struggles a bit finding his/her way in the world. Remember—you’ve already done the hard work of raising a smart and resourceful adult!