Sending your student away to college can be terrifying for a parent. Suddenly, you aren’t available to take care of all of your child’s needs anymore. They’re surrounded by strangers and doing it on their own. You’re never more than a phone call away, but will they think to call when they need that advice the most? What about when they start missing you?
You can’t move in with your student when they go away to college, but you can send them a friendly reminder that someone back home is thinking of them that will bring a smile to their face. A carefully constructed care package will make your child the happiest one at their college–and you the most-appreciated parent.
Creating the Perfect Care Package
Think about using a theme. While there are plenty of options out there for constructing a care package for your college student, choose a theme that has meaning to your student. Typical themes include a snack box, a study kit or a “missing you” surprise box, but you’re not limited to that. Is your child a Star Wars fan? Put together a Star Wars box with everything from Wookie Cookies to Yoda Soda and add a little trinket or two. Dr. Who fan? Pick a blue box and leave a note that it’s “bigger on the inside.” Be creative with it! Sometimes, the item that will bring a smile to your child’s face is the one that’s the most unexpected.
Anticipate your student’s needs. When they first go to college, send a care package that includes all the little things that they might have forgotten: a toothbrush and toothpaste; deodorant; even your household’s preferred brand of toilet paper or a special cleaner. Finals coming up?That’s the best time to send a gift card to a local restaurant that delivers. Do you know that your child has been sick? Send their favorite hot tea, a package of cough drops and cold medicine.
Include their favorite treats. Not the ones that they can drive to the store and pick up themselves whenever they like (though those are certainly appreciated), but the ones that they can’t get. Do you have a local store that offers treats that can’t be found anywhere else? What about a special cookie that only you have ever made for them? Include the treats that your student can’t get while away at school.
Remember holidays, birthdays and special events. While many college students do their best to come home for major holidays, it won’t always be possible to get home for minor holidays and major events. Make sure to remember your missing family member on those special days, preparing a care package that will get to them when they’re missing home the most.
Don’t forget the practicalities. College students are often on a tight budget. While they may smile at the whimsical and indulge in the treats, there are often practical things that are even more important. Is summer coming up? Tuck in a pair of new flip flops or sandals for your daughter when you know she won’t indulge for herself, then add in a container of sunscreen and some aloe gel. Drop that new book he’s been anticipating in a box alongside a new pack of pens or highlighters. While these are things that your college student might not have appreciated when they were still living at home, now that they’re on their own, they’ll appreciate every thoughtful gesture much more.
Have you ever constructed a care package before? What did you include? Tell us in the comment section below.
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