For people with older kids, summers take on a different personality. Older kids may be more concerned with finding a summer job than with finding a ride to the pool. They may no longer be eager to chase fireflies in the backyard or have a backyard picnic for dinner.
They Grow Up Fast!
There are some definite perks of kids growing up. For example, you will no longer have to worry about finding a summer babysitter or day camps. Older kids can make their own snacks – and even do some chores around the house. However, these same perks can also bring the realization that your kids will be on their own far too soon.
[tweetthis]This summer as your older kids are stretching their wings with that first job, you might think about some ways you can help them get ready to leave the nest.[/tweetthis]
How to Get them Started
- Teach them to do their own laundry.
- Teach them how to budget and track spending.
- Let them be responsible for meals once a week (or more). This includes shopping for the ingredients.
- Make them responsible for setting an alarm and getting up on their own.
Knowing that they have the skills they need will also help you feel more comfortable watching them go. Keep this in mind, though: Just because they know how to do their own laundry is no guarantee that they won’t bring it home when they come to visit!
