Things to do before sending your baby off to college...

It's time to send your child off to college! Time flies, it seems like just a moment ago they were children, and now they're turning 18. Many of us didn't consider the legal implications of becoming an adult at 18 because we were still living at home, either working or attending a local college. But as our children reach this milestone, we enter a new phase. Even though we're still responsible for them in many ways, such as health insurance, college tuition, and car insurance, we need to prepare for the possibility that they may not be able to make decisions for themselves due to a medical emergency or hospitalization. I've learned the hard way that life can change suddenly, and there's no time to prepare retrospectively.

Here are five helpful tips and also some memorable things to do with them. 

1) Have them sign a medical power of attorney (even if they are living at home). At 18 you as their parent and even as insurance payer are no longer able to help them should anything happen. ie: wreck and they go to the hospital, can't speak for themself, etc. *trust me, this is terrifying when this happens!!*

2) Be a backup on their bank accounts should anything happen. Two ways to go about, either be a secondary on their account which would allow for your transfer funds to them if they needed anything, because who can trust venmo and those apps acting like a bank, right?!?! or be listed as a beneficiary, should anything happen to your child.. (yes this is the unthinkable, but best to be prepared) Being listed on their account will allow for the process to be easier *this isn't to be Hitler of their accounts just a means of help and support should anything happen*

3) Know important passwords and important phone numbers (employer, coworkers, etc) in the event you need to help them do things or alert their place of employment if they are unable to return to work. 

4) Plan the vacation! Whether it's a weekend trip or a weeklong trip, if you can do it, make it happen! If a vacay isn't possible, do something fun at home with them.

5) Schedule the family photo session. I know! You knew this was coming, but seriously...  This is possibly the last time they are under your roof before the next big season of their life happens... job offer out of the state, they meet someone and get married, etc.. as mentioned, life happens fast so make the time to preserve this moment with them. If you can't afford it, no worries, set up your iPhone on a timer and capture the moment. Professional portraits are better quality, and your photographer will be able to capture all the many moments together; however, I get life. Either way, capture the moment, you won't regret it! If you have a Junior or Senior this year, I offer an affordable way to preserve Senior portraits and family moments together when you book Senior portraits with KUP. 

Celebrate this season! You've made it, Mom and Dad—fantastic work! Take comfort in knowing your child is embarking on a new chapter, and you've done all you could to ready them for it. They still need you, yes, but the dynamic is changing. You're transitioning into the 'yes, I'm still your parent' phase, yet it's time to start letting go a bit more. With each passing year, you'll release a little more, granting them increased responsibility as they move towards leading a fully independent life in the next four years. Shower them with love and continue nurturing a strong bond. This will encourage them to keep visiting you even after they're financially independent. Exercise patience as they learn to 'walk' again, this time with less of your assistance. Offer encouragement, love, prayers, and enjoy your time with your grown child. Prepare for another wonderful season filled with new experiences to share with them!