by Amy Thomas

Created on: December 31, 2007

Senioritis is loosely defined as "lacking the ambition to complete the academic responsibilities of the final quarter of the senior year." The symptoms may include, but are not limited to: not completing and/or passing in homework, appearing to forget about quizzes and tests, and the development of an "I really don't care" attitude. The social life of a senior, in contrast, seems to continue to be a top priority and has not been affected by senioritis. If your child is graduating high school this year, the following may be information you want to impart to them prior to their leaving home. While this is certainly not a complete list, it offers some practical suggestions.

The other side of the coin is you as a parent. What should you know before your son or daughter takes off for school? Read on, and hopefully you can begin to ease some of the worries you have nagging at your mind.

Tips and suggestions for parents with college bound children

Top 5 for your kids:

1. Your child should know the basics of laundry.
- While they may think they can just save up their dirty stash until they get home, this is not a good rule of thumb, and may also make for a very angry roommate.
2. Your child should know how to cook a simple meal.
- We are not talking gourmet, but at least edible, and more than just opening a can of spaghettios with meatballs. Pasta with sauce and some garlic bread, baked chicken and potatoes and salad, or at least browning some hamburger and adding a box of Hamburger Helper is a good start.

3. If your child will be using his or her vehicle, especially getting back and forth to school, they should know some basic car maintenance and repair, or AT LEAST have AAA and know how to call and access this service.
- this is so important, and you should go over the correct phone numbers, as well as ask them if they know what to do in case of an auto accident.

4. Money Management
- if your child has a checking account and checkbook, they should know how to write checks and balance this account. If they have a debit card or atm card, they should know that this comes directly from their account, and they can only make withdrawals when they have money available. ALSO, it is important for them to immediately tear up and discard any and all credit card offers, as they will start pouring in once they are 18 both at home and at school.

5. Contact numbers
- your student should have either a cell phone or a phone card so they can contact you or others in case of emergencies. They

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