Preparation for college doesn’t begin in the child’s senior year of high school. It actually starts much earlier than that. A college education is in high demand in today’s market, and that demand will continue to grow. If you have a goal for your child to obtain at least a bachelor’s degree, then here are some steps you can take as a mother to help him or her get there.
Pre-School
At this age, it’s not about the abc’s or 123’s. It’s about organizational skills, personal responsibility and self-motivation. Don’t do everything for your child. Teach him how to clean up after himself. Help your daughter organize her own room and work with her to keep it organized. You’re not looking for perfection, but you are trying to develop skills that will be invaluable to them throughout their lives.
Elementary School
In addition to being organized and willing to work, your child also needs to learn how to study. This is the perfect time to establish the habit of doing homework first and then going out to play. Even first graders will take tests, so this is your opportunity to start teaching your little one how to use flashcards and other study methods.
Extra-curricular activities are important for creating a well-rounded person, and they don’t start in high school. Now is the time to expose your child to different sports, see which one she loves and sign her up for the team. Participating in a team activity and other extra-curriculars like scouting, karate and gymnastics will help your child learn responsibility and time management.
Start talking about college now. When you have the standard “What do you want to be when you grow up?” conversation, talk about how a college degree can help in their chosen field. If your child is constantly changing his mind, talk about how a general Science, Math or English degree could help in any of his chosen professions.
Middle School
Talk to the guidance counselors at the school to find out which classes are needed to help your child get into college. Some courses must be taken at the middle school level for your child to be on track in high school. It is recommended by the U.S. Department of Education that students take History or Geography every year. Algebra should start in the 8th grade and Geometry in the 9th grade or earlier. Additional classes like computers, arts and foreign languages are also highly recommended.
Encourage your child to stay active not only in sports or other extra-curricular activities, but also to join different clubs that may be offered through the school. Grades are important throughout the school experience, but they take on a greater role in middle school.
High School
Plan your child’s curriculum with college in mind. Most schools offer a college preparatory program that can help you child when it’s time to make the transition. Take the time to learn about the college admissions process now. Stress to your child that all grades from high school will be looked at by colleges. The good study habits should already be in place, so encourage your son or daughter to continue with them.
A Word on Failure
At some point in your child’s academic career, you will have to step back and allow your son or daughter to take the reins. It’s great to hover over homework when they’re in grammar school, checking every paper to make sure that they have remembered all of it. However, you can’t do that for them when they’re in high school. As soon as your child is ready, start trusting them more to get the work done. Have consequences for failing to do the work, but don’t micromanage them to make sure it’s all done. Ideally, your child should be able to handle his own homework, remember assignments and be trusted to work independently by the time they are in middle school, if not before. It may require letting him or her miss a few assignments and have to deal with a loss of privileges as a result. However, letting your child fail at something and face the consequences may prove the best way to prepare him or her for life.
Jenny Masterson is a career advisor and also contributes content for thebestcolleges.org, a website providing college reviews as well as a multitude of online computer degrees listings.
If your child has chosen the college route, here is a unique approach that will help you save time and money in earning his or her bachelor’s degree through distance learning from an accredited institution.
