Budgeting, credit cards, health insurance—these are all things your teenager should know how to handle before he goes off to college. On today’s Home School Heartbeat with Mike Smith, HSLDA High School Coordinator Diane Kummer outlines some ways you can help your teen prepare for life away from home.
Mike Smith:
Diane, today we want to focus on homeschool high schoolers who will be entering college directly after high school graduation. In addition to the high school academic course load, what areas should parents focus on to equip their students for life?
Diane Kummer:
Mike, I’d like to highlight three areas. One area is spiritual preparation. Parents should have their teen write up a spiritual manifesto detailing their convictions—what they believe and why. Paul Little’s books, Know Why You Believe, and Know What You Believe, would be good resources for this project. Another important life skill for teens heading off to college is time management. During the high school years, parents can teach and train their teens to make the best use of their time. Becky Cooke and I have written a newsletter, available on the HSLDA website that gives tips on teaching your teen time management. The third life skill area to focus on for a college bound teen is financial management. College students are bombarded with credit card solicitations. Teach your child the proper use of credit before he goes off to college. Other helpful resources for teaching teens these skills are on the HSLDA website.
Mike:
Well thank you, Diane. That is very helpful. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
