Advertisement feature
If you’re like most parents, you’ve spent your life trying to get your child ready for the big world that awaits them. The first big step towards your child becoming an independent adult is when they decide that it’s time for them to move out on their own. Whilst this may be a slightly emotional experience for parents, it is also an important one that will help your child transition from childhood to adulthood. Of course, as parents, we always want to ensure that our children are comfortable and well taken care of, regardless of their age. In today’s article, we have a look at how you can help your child with their first move and provide all the necessary support and care possible. Read on to find out more!
1. Ensure That They Have All The Essentials
Whilst your family home may have every single thing that your child needs, it is important that you help ensure that they have all that they need in their new home. Some essentials that your child will need on their first move include furniture, bedding, electrical appliances, kitchen gadgets such as a blender and toaster, and of course, dinnerware. A quick trip to IKEA or Kmart with your child is a great way to ensure that you pick up everything that is needed without having to spend a fortune.
2. Can They Perform Basic Home Maintenance?
A big part of moving out on your own includes ensuring that you are able to perform basic home maintenance. If your child is one that has always avoided running errands or doing chores, it’s important that you sit them down and let them know about how they will have to be in charge of these tasks in their new home. This means getting them acquainted with doing the washing, doing the dishes, unclogging toilets, and basic home cleaning. Equipped with these skills, your child will then be able to maintain and upkeep their new home instead of living in a pigsty which is all too often the case when children move out of home for the first time.
3. Teach Them To Manage Their Own Schedule
If you have been the one who has always managed your teen’s schedule, the time has come for you to pass the baton on to them. If your child is going to be living on their own, they’re not going to have anyone to handle their schedules, meetings, classes or appointments for them. This is why it’s so important that you get them to practice their own time management prior to their move. Allow them to handle their own appointments and schedules as this is a very important part of transitioning into adulthood.
4. Prepare Basic Meals
Another big part of living solo is ensuring that your child can prepare basic meals that don’t require them to rely on fast food or takeout. If you’ve been the one to prepare meals up till now, it’s time that you try and get your child involved in the process. Teaching them basic cooking skills, recipes and dishes is a great way to not just bond, but also equip them with the skills they will need to lead a happy and healthy life on their own. Man cannot survive on pizza and soda alone, so the greatest gift you could give your child is the ability to cook for themselves.
5. Provide Support
Last but not least, a child moving out of the home for the first time can bring up a variety of emotions both in parents and the child. Many teens feel anxious about living on their own, whilst parents start to feel the “empty nest syndrome”. It is important that you open communication channels and provide support to your child during this transition in life. Let your child know that even though they are going to be living on their own, that they can always reach out for help or advice whenever it may be necessary.
___________
A child moving out of the home for the first time needn’t be a daunting experience. We hope that this article has given you a few ideas on how you can help and support your child through this milestone experience.