Tips & Tricks for College-Bound Daughter

As I prepare Daughter (more myself) for graduation & living life on her own, creating her unique path, I think of all of the things I haven't taught her yet. I think of releasing her into the world & I wonder if I've done an adequate job helping her get ready to be away from home. I think of all the things I didn't know to show her how to do and the things I still need to teach. I will never know everything, but I want to pass down any life knowledge I have learned. Maybe she'll learn from my mistakes more than make her own!

We're all human, we all make mistakes, & even though Daughter is perfect in my eyes, I know there will be some things that she just has to learn the hard way. I have to have faith in her & faith in how I raised her because she can accomplish anything she sets her mind on. I know all parents are proud, but every day I become more proud of the daughter that I raised. She was born amazing, gentle, & kind.

So below, I wrote some tips I have thought of to pass along to her & any other college-bound students, getting the idea from the "Dad How Do I" YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DadhowdoI that I should actually look at. Videos just drive me crazy sometimes.

These are only in the order I thought of them, not by importance, FYI.

1. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS!

2. Try to be conscious of where you're going & if it would be wise to make sure you're with safe company, whether as a ride home, a walk to class, or running out & about.

3. LOCK YOUR DOORS.

4. When you do laundry at your parent's house, remember to take your bedding! Try to do it regularly (at least every other week) & always keep a backup set handy.

5. Use extra laundry soap OR fabric softener sheets when you wash your bedding, (especially if you're using your parents' soap) because it makes your bed smell good.

6. Explore your town & the towns around you in your free time.

7. Try to do some sort of clean-up of your place once a week, even if it's something little every day, and deep clean once a month.

8. Check the tires' air and oil levels before any long trip.

9. Save $$ out of every paycheck.

10. Learn to budget! Some banks local to you might have free financial counseling. (I'm sure there are videos about it, too.)

11. Take time for yourself, especially during stressful finals weeks.

12. Try to contact your closest loved ones at least once a week. (Especially your mom!)

13. Read a good book!

14. Go for a walk outside.

15. Take a drive.

16. Look at the moon & the stars.

17. Have a designated wallet & key spot! (Not by the front door where someone can easily get to it if they're trying to break in.)

18. Always put the debit/credit cards back in the wallet. (I feel like a lot of us learn this lesson the hard way.)

19. Try to take time to make your bed every morning, it feels as good to walk into your room to a nice bed as it does when you walk into a clean house after a long trip or an arduous day.

20. Don't be afraid to ask for help! It doesn't have to be from me, but just know that even though you're out of the house, it doesn't mean you'll ever stop being my little girl. I'll take care of you always.

21. Prioritize your time. Allow yourself some chill time, but also use your time wisely by working hard towards your goals.

22. Keep good friends.

23. Don't talk bad about people behind their backs.

24. Don't forget to blast your music.

25. Let yourself dance once in a while.

26. I'll always be proud of you.

27. Be a good friend.

28. Be kind, be smart, be brave, make good decisions, & kick ass when you need to.

29. Never be too scared to be happy or have fun.

30. Have game nights.

31. Learn how to do the basic fixes around the house & your car.

32. You have a lot of hair, keep declogging solution around. The cheap stuff works just as well as the name brand.

33. Make cleaning fun!

34. Study hard. It will be over before you know it, but never forget to have a little bit of fun.

35. Don't hurt anyone on purpose unless they deserve it.

36. Learn to trust your instincts & never ever stop listening to them.

37. Never let someone keep you from your dream.

38. Cook at least a few meals a week, no matter how simple.

39. Try a new recipe at least once a month, make it a thing, and invite someone over, but have a backup meal in mind, just in case.

40. Remember to unplug once in a while. Go where you have no service; it makes it easy.

41. Make sure someone always knows where you are going to be.

42. Wash your face, take a shower, brush your teeth.

43. Have dates with your friends.

44. Never hesitate to call me.

45. Whatever you think you can't do, you can.

46. PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF!

47. Host an occasional get-together, and have everybody bring a little something, so the cost isn't overbearing.

48. Don't let mistakes drag you down, you're human. It's ok.

49. Occasionally buy yourself flowers or splurge on something to make yourself smile.

50. You can make your space yours, even on a budget. Get fun things for your walls & organizers for drawers & cupboards.

51. Don't forget to blow out the candle! (No naps while one is burning!)

52. Your mom may be annoying, but she knows what she's doing. (Most days.)

53. If anything, make sure your bathroom is cleaned before guests come over. Don't be gross! :)
    

These are my Tips & Tricks for my College-Bound Daughter. Remember, you can accomplish anything you set your mind on with hard work, dedication, & perseverance. Things may be intimidating & scary now, but you're just finding your new normal, it's ok to have wobbly legs like a baby giraffe, you'll find your balance.

Love you more than most, more than most, more than most times infinity, no take backs! I win!

"Where you lead, I will follow." -Gilmore Girls

Mom

🖤💋💨