As my first born prepares to enter high school this fall, I have been thinking about the future a lot more. Specifically how fast it is approaching. It is very hard to believe that in four short years she will be preparing for college or university and not just high school. I can’t even imagine what a mess I will be by then, so I am going to try, very hard, to focus on what lies ahead for us now and not in 1, 459 days.
But, that means I can focus on your kids instead, ha!
If you have children who are heading off to that place of higher learning this week or next, you probably have a dozen lists made of things they need to bring, stuff you want them to know, items they should have, but don’t really care about and most importantly, things you want them to have to make life smoother and even a little safer. AmIrite? But let’s face facts. The last thing your kiddo wants now is a lecture about safe sex or how to keep their whites white, so we will cut to the chase and keep this one short and sweet. 
Feel free to share this post with them.
Even yoga pants and sweats should look good!
You know it and I know it. Your kiddo is probably going to live in, sleep in and go to class in their most comfy clothes, but that doesn’t mean they should slack on keeping them clean! Stain removers, sorting and scooping are not for students. They’re just looking for an easy solution to the challenge ahead – no clean socks or underwear and they’ve got a date in a few hours. Send them off to school with a container of the new Arm & Hammer™ Plus OxiClean™ 3-In-1 Power Paks. This all-in-one detergent tackles tough stains, doesn’t require any measuring or scooping and is student-budget friendly. If you’re lucky, it may also mean you’re not greeted with a load of dirty laundry every time your kid comes home to visit. You’re welcome.
Tip: Don’t be surprised when you receive a call or text saying, “Mom, how do I sort my laundry?” Or “Where do I find the washing instructions?” To help make laundry easier (and prevent shrinking t-shirts and colour bleed disasters at the same time!), educate them on the proper laundry symbols. In fact, you can download a fun laundry symbols postcard from Arm & Hammer Laundry here that lists the most common symbols and what they mean.
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day!
It is the bain of my existence but one fight I will keep on fighting – getting my teen to have some breakfast each day. She says she is not hungry, but we all know how important that first meal is. Your newly minted adult child should as well, but one way to remind them is to send along some delicious Banana Bread Muffins that you made from scratch. They will love having a taste of home and you will feel good knowing they have something in their tummy. ♥
Don’t forget to talk about being safe!
One of the biggest challenges as a parent is how to talk to your kids about safe sex. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s a necessary conversation and part of life! The harsh reality is that kids are having sex, yet not properly protecting themselves.[1]In fact, a study found that almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of post-secondary students across the country had a sexual encounter within the past year. Furthermore, 72 per cent of students engaged in intercourse during their last sexual encounter, yet only about half (51 per cent) reported using a condom. In this day and age that is just plain crazy!
Tip: If you have a child heading off to school, buy condoms for them and pack them in their suitcase. Trojan™ condoms are the number one condom choice of Canadians for protection.
Sometimes, kids know best!
Just because you’re the one who’s prepping the kids for back-to-school, doesn’t mean they can’t teach you a cool thing or two – beauty hacks are no exception! Heck, my teen is always telling me this. One must-have item that’s as just as popular amongst moms as with students is Batiste Dry Shampoo. It is the world’s #1 dry shampoo* for a reason – it instantly refreshes your hair between washes, no water required. It works by absorbing excess oil from the roots leaving hair looking clean and fresh. So, whether you’re running late or just looking for an instant refresh, new Batiste Dry Shampoo Heavenly Volume is a saving grace as it has the additional benefit of transforming hair with gorgeous, touchable volume and bounce.
Tip: Send your daughter to school with a bottle and a new hairbrush, maybe some pretty accessories. She will think of you every time she uses them.
*Batiste is sold in over 50 countries
The Giveaway
One lucky MapleMouseMama reader will win this amazing Adult Student Care Package (see the list of items below!) To be eligible to win just complete the Rafflecopter below with your qualifying answers. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents ages 18 and older. Please read our giveaway rules before entering. This giveaway ends on September 15th, 2017 at 11:59 pm. Good luck!
- OxiClean Colour Shield Laundry Stain Remover
- Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Power Paks in Fresh Scent
- Trojan XOXO Condoms and Bareskin Lubricated Condoms
- Batiste Dry Shampoo Heavenly Volume
What is one item you think is essential for all adult aged students to have or know before they head off to their place of learning?
FT&PD
Suz
**Disclosure: I am a 2017 Church and Dwight Ambassador and have been compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
It is essential for all adult aged students to know that no means no.
One item i think is essential for all adult aged students to have is condoms,they need to know they have to protect themselves.
How to live on a budget
The one item that I think is essential is the condoms, I wished my daughter would have listened to me when she was a teenager, she became pregnant at 16,
they need to know how to do their own laundry
they need to be able to support themselves
It is essential that they know how to handle money.
I think it’s important for them to learn to budget and not go over.
Condoms – protected sex
Definitely important to know how to have safe sex, how to protect themselves from STDs, pregnancy, etc. as well as how to have a respectful relationship.
I think they need to know how to do laundry.
It is essential for adult students to be able to budget and manage their money
It is essential that my children know how to advocate for themselves.
Doing laundry is important so that they can do it themselves instead of bringing it home for someone else to do.
they need to know how to setup a budget and stick to it
Some good quality flip flops for the communal dorm showers!
The one item that I think is essential is the condoms!
They need to learn how to manage money.
One item i think is essential for all adult aged students to have is condoms,
They all need how to make a budget and stick to it.
Money management is essential!! this is a skill they should learn early in life and carry through with them for ever…….
I think knowing how to manage your money should be at the top of a very long list of things they should know.
A budget plan
They need to know how to set up a budget and follow it!
I think the one thing they need to know is how long it will take to pay off their education if they take out loans. If they save up, budget, apply for scholarships, and work hard they can graduate debt free.
Make a budget with him/her before start of school so that they can head in prepared financially.
you have common sense – find it and use it!. thanks
They should know how to do their own laundry.
One item i think is essential for all adult aged students to have is condoms and learn about the importance of preventing teenage pregnancy.
MONEY MANAGEMENT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO KNOW
they need to learn how to shop sales especially for food items
The condoms are definitely an essential, they need to know how to practice safe sex. Also agree with many other that they need to know how to budget!
Doing laundry, and managing it!!
A filing system is an essential to for students to learn and have to stay organized for life!
I think all adult aged students should be aware of their finances and how to drink responsibly.
It is essential for adult students to have sound judgement – think, don’t act impulsively.
I hope the condoms are most important! Safe sex is key.
To be able to support themselves.
I think the main essential item is how to stick with budget
They should know how to manage their time!
GOOD judgement, know when to say yes and when to say no. Put school first & then your social life
It is essential for all adult aged students to know how to stay on budget.
need know to know how to handle money
It is essential that they understand a budget and money management when they are out of their own. I wish it was taught better in high school.
it essential they know how to use money responsibly
I went to university as a mature student. I loved it! I think we all need an iPad for school!
They need to know how to budget effectively.
How to handle money is essential
I think they should know about saving money, and also a phone/computer would be useful
Besides laundry lol, My dad taught me when I left home to always have a spare 20 dollars cash tucked away in my purse, in case I was ever out with friends and we had a few drinks and I didn’t feel safe driving with them or if I was ever in a uncomfortable situation I could always use the hidden twenty, call a cab and get somewhere safely. I have always done this and have tauht my kids the same
How to manage their money is so important
It is essential for all adult aged students to know that they are responsible for their own well being
I think it is essential for adult students to have a laptop!
All adult students need to know how to do their own laundry.
Everyone needs a good multivitamin!
I think knowing how to be responsible for yourself and your actions is a must
Condoms to prevent stds and pregnancy.
All adult students need a budget so money is less of a worry to them.
It is essential to have healthy snacks and food.
I think it’s essential for students to realize that they need to work hard and stick to their goals
nutrition
It is essential to have personal hygiene products,toothpaste,toothbrush,bodywash,shampoo,etc.
It’s essential to have condoms so they know to use protection.
The number one thing for me is the ability to handle money and budget expenses.
it is so important to stress the message of safe sex, condoms are essential for adult age students.
I think it is important to learn to be wise with money
They need to know how to handle money.
Very important for them to know how to manage money and live on budget
They need to know how to handle money and credit cards. Student credit cards have burned a lot of people.
how to grocery shop to find the best deals
I think they need to know how to budget money!!
It is essential for them to know how to manage money, and do laundry!
That no matter what, I am always here for them.
Managing money to live on a budget is important.
Essential to contact family esp when moving away to another province. Make sure your parents have a way to contact you or your landlord in case things go sideways (Death in family etc)
If your parents text you, for crying out loud text them back or you could get a legt telephone call during school classes (Adn I’m talking days of no texting back not just one text)
The dry shampoo is the main thing I think they will use.
I think the most important thing for them to have is financial skills.
They need to know how to budget their money!
It is definitely important for them to know how to stick to a budget.
I think it would be Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Power Paks in Fresh Scent, for sure.
They need to make and stay on budget
I’m still a college student so I can answer from the ‘other side’: the most important thing adult students have to know is that they’re parents are there if they need them and that they won’t judge their actions or decisions, even if they would have done differently. Knowing that will make the students more relaxed and chances are that they’ll rock in their studies!
The one item that I think is essential is definitely condoms
An essential thing to know is how to budget for the year.
I think one essential is a microwave as students don’t have very much time to cook. TV dinners or leftovers from your parent’s house is perfect to heat up.
It’s essential for them to take care of their mental health.
Have some sort of savings!
I think they need to know the basics of doing laundry, cooking simple meals.
Hand sanitizer
congrats TO the lucky winner
Condoms 1st! Then laundrey!