With high school and college graduations behind us, I thought I'd share this post from my SendOutCards blog.

Prepare for independence

June 19, 2015

by r_tompkins

One day they are learning to walk and the next they are walking out the door – at least this is how it feels for many parents as their older children start to stretch their wings and become more independent. Once children near graduation, summers take on a different personality. Older kids may be more concerned with finding a summer job than with finding a ride to the pool. They may no longer be eager to stay home for a backyard cookout with family.

Still, there are some definite perks that come with the realization that your children are growing up. For example, you will no longer have to worry about a summer babysitter. Older kids can make their own snacks – and even cook dinner for the family. However, these same perks can also bring the realization that they really will be walking out the door to set off on their own far too soon.

One of the best ways to ease your anxiety about letting them go – and theirs, too, of course – is to make sure they are ready. Here are some ideas to help your older kids get ready to leave the nest.

Teach them to do their own laundry. For an added perk for you, let them be in charge of family laundry.
Teach them how to budget and track spending. With so much banking done online now, another important part of this lesson is security and password protection.
Let them be responsible for meals once a week (or more). This includes shopping for the ingredients. You might also want to include some discussions on healthy eating.

Knowing your children have the skills they need will help you feel more comfortable watching them go. Of course, just because they know how to do their own laundry is no guarantee they won’t bring it home when they come to visit!