The final six months

[melodys]

I am in the home stretch of parenting. My youngest is a senior in high school and will be moving out and going to college this summer.

I am looking for suggestions for things to do, things to enjoy, and things to teach in these final months. Trying to do this more thoughtfully than with my older daughter. What are the really important things that I can share with my son before he launches into the world?

[arnie]

wow
that's a loaded question..Many of these you may have already taught your children, but sometimes need to be reinforced.

1. You are judged by the company you keep- fair or not.
2. Don't lend money that you expect to get back.
3. Pay cash for everything.
4. Pay yourself first, keep an envelope hidden that you put at least 20 bucks in every pay day.
5. Nothing good happens after midnight.
6. Everyone has to pay their dues in any career path they choose.
7. When choosing a career, don't just look for the highest paying job you may wind up miserable.
8. Punctuality and attendance are important in any job you take, whether entry level or higher.
9. There is a huge difference between a Want and a Need.
10. Dont ever burn your bridges with former employers.
11. Don't worry about keeping up with the Jones, or impressing people with your material possessions. The cost of these possessions may keep you up at night worrying about how to pay for them.
12. Be humble.

Well, that's a start.

[ncarr]

How to budget, avoid debt, and be responsible with his money!

[Neeley]

At this point it is not so much about teaching new things, it is about reinforcing the things that have been taught all along.

[peanut]

Can he clean up after himself and offer to help clean up if he's invited out to supper? I had to train both my current and future SILs to help with dishes and clean up. Basically told them it was expected because I believed in everyone being equal. That means the girls help them with work around the house and they help them with work in the kitchen and cleaning. That way, no matter what happens in life, they've got the bases covered and aren't stuck in a crisis situation trying to figure out how to manage a household.

[MissSeetonFan]

I guess one thing you could do is turn that around and think about the things that your older children/older child still asks about or needs help with? Is there anyway that you could help instill that before this son leaves? What sorts of things did you wish you could have done with the other? Does that still apply to this one in terms of likes and dislikes?

Though there is never a real end to parenting. It just becomes long distance unless they move back in with you. :-)

[Megareader]

How to do laundry. I say this because I didn't learn how to operate a washer & dryer until I was 21 years old!

[newstudent]

You have probably done a lot of teaching him things already.
Now, just let him know that you love him no matter what and you will always be there for him even if things go wrong.
Enjoy the time he is still at home.