Don't Leave Home Without It!

After high school I hit the ground running. I was ready to be out on my own in this supposed "big bad world." I laughed in my family's face. Advice? I don't need advice! How hard could it be! Get a part time job, go to classes, and PARTY! No curfew, no parents, no limits. Ah, the good life. This was my outlook for all of two months. And then it hit me. No parents to do my laundry? No parents to loan me money? Classes AND a job? Bills!? What! Where did my party time go? I ended up back at home. By the time I recovered my mother had a plan of action to KEEP me out of the house this time. Need to keep your young one out? Here are some tips from the mother of all mothers.

1. A variety of gift cards in small increments ($10, $15, $20) to general stores like Wal Mart, Target, and grocery stores. This way your college kid can stock up on food and gas when his or her cash supply dips low. Tuck them into random pants pockets, purses and suitcases.

2. A prepaid phone with a phone card, even if they have a cellular phone plan. Sometimes food (ok, beer) is more important than the phone bill!

3. A good stock of Ramen Noodles. I kid you not-- you can buy them in HUGE bulk cases from your local Sam's Club. They'll last months.

4. A First Aid box. Chock full of the essentials! Over the counter pain killers, allergy medicines, triple antibiotic creams, band aids, and prescription meds they might need, and some no doze for those late night cram sessions.

5. Don't forget to make a checklist to see if they have all the essentials down. Bath towels? A robe? Toiletries? Bowls, plates, cups, and other utensils? Send along some laundry detergent and a couple rolls of quarters for laundry as well.

6. A big sloppy kiss, and a long hug. A quick pat on the back and a boot to the butt!

After this life was MUCH easier on me. Hopefully, it'll get easier. . .