So your youngest is going off to college. Congratulations. What I have found in my 25+ years of being a married and now for the past 11 years of being a single mom is that it is essential to take care of yourself and your newly formed empty nest, fill it with exciting possibilities and adventures. For me, a month before the pandemic hit, I became a homeschool mom to my teenager who was in the second half of his Sophomore year. We didn't have time to mess around, and I also lost my full-time job in customer relationships at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center. Which in all honesty was a blessing in disguise because after we went to orientation for homeschooling, we found out that a parent (usually married people homeschool) had to stay at home and oversee the homeschooling. It also was great because my son got the best of all world's whereby he got to take online live classes with a teacher, I hired tutors to assist for his classes that were textbook/workbooks. We had such an adventure thinking out of the box and being creative. Think positively about all of the new and exciting possibilities on the horizon for yourself and your young adult. This is the time to take that dance class you've always wanted to do, or to hone in on your work life balance, maybe even working on a 2nd career. It's also important to help prepare your child for college life. I'm not an expert in child psychology but I have read books, consulted with professionals, and have done my homework in a lot of areas. As an author and entrepeurner I would definitely consider myself an audiodidac.
So here are a few essential questions that would be helpful in rebranding yourself as your children grow and emerge into their own persons.
How has my identity been set-up in my child's mind?
How has my identity been set-up in my own mind?
How has my identity been set-up in the community?
Who identifies with me?
What problems can I solve for other people?
What skills do I have that are marketable?
How am I perceived by my children?
How am I perceived in the community?
Who do I identify with?
How can you enhance or change your reputation?
So you are headed off to college. Congratulations on your achievement. There are so many things to think about and so many new exciting experiences you will enjoy. College is happening, here's a handy list of items to help you with the transition.
College Checklist
BEDDING
Pillows
Pillow cases
Comforter (check what size you need, dorm room beds are twin)
Sheet set
Body pillow and cover (optional)
Blanket
FURNITURE
If you are living in the dorm, chances are that the furniture will already be provided. They usually provide a bunk bed as well as a closet and a desk with chair. If you chose to live in an apartment, you may find this list helpful.
Futon
Futon cover
Lounge chair
BATH
Shower caddy
Washcloths
Towels
Flip-flops (for the shower)
Hair wrap, body wrap (optional)
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body wash
Soap
Skin care
Razors
Makeup
Bath accessories
Personal care items
Shower puff
Contact lenses/solution
Eyeglasses
Shower curtain/shower liner (optional)
Shower spray (such as shower to shower, or Lysol) (optional)
Hairbrush
Hairstyling products
FOR CLASS
Backpack
Calculator
Pens/pencils/highlighters
Binders/notebooks
DINING
Plates/bowls/cups/mugs
Forks/spoons/knives
Bottle opener
Water bottle/plastic pitcher
CLEANING
Cleaning supplies
Paper towels
Sponges
Disinfecting wipes
Broom and dust pan
Trash can
Laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Laundry basket/bag
Drying rack (only if you live in an apartment and your dishwasher doesn’t have a dry cycle option)
Iron
Lint brush
Mini ironing board
Vacuum
Swiffer
Bucket
Toilet bowl cleaner
Toilet brush
Garbage bags (plastic, paper)
KITCHEN
Microwave
Toaster/toaster oven
Mini fridge (ice trays)
Coffeemaker/espresso maker
Electric tea pot
Can opener
Pizza cutter
Pot holder
Food storage bags
Cooking utensils
Utensil tray
Kitchen gadgets
Mixing bowls
Cookware/bakeware
Shelf liners (optional)
Dish soap
Dish-cleaning wand
Dish towels
Paper towels
TRANSPORTATION
Bus Pass
Car
Skateboard
Bike
Scooter
ELECTRONICS
TV
Speakers
DVD Blu-Ray player
Tablet/IPAD
Gaming system games
Laptop case
Laptop desk
Computer
Laptop
Cords/cables/power strip
Printer/ink/paper
USB drive
STORAGE
Storage bins
Storage carts
Closet organizers
Hangers
Bed risers
Under-bed storage
Desktop organizer
3M command hooks
MISC.
Mini Barbecue
Stadium seat
Sunscreen
Address book
Notebooks