Parenting Guru: The Talk You Need to Have Before Your Kid Goes Off to College

Lots to talk about before Mini-Me leaves for college. Even though she's heard the speech, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I didn't say it, yet again. I cringe as the words come out of my mouth, knowing what's coming, "Mom, you don't have to tell me this. I'm not stupid." But, I say it anyway.

We have "The Talk." You know, the one about the birds and the bees, alcohol, drugs, parties, the buddy system at parties, boys, boys & safety, safety in numbers, safety in general, grades, classes, friends, roommates, and laundry. (Click here for my Health & Safety Tip Post List:What Every Freshman & Parent Should Read Before College) How do you go from holding your baby in your arms that you've loved, nurtured and protected to dropping them off, ALONE?! It feels unnatural to let go, but I must. It's just the worry I can't let go of.

You want to make sure they remember every piece of advice you ever gave them. No matter how big or small. (Look both ways before crossing the street, don't run with food in your mouth, stay way from mixed drinks, wash your hands…) In college they will be making just about all their decisions themselves and it's scary no matter how good a head they have on their shoulders. They will make mistakes. You just pray they're not big ones.

I told her the same I told College Boy, "You can call us 24/7. About ANYTHING. I'm serious." We set up a Skype account so we can look at each other when we speak. Not all kids are a fan of this because parents can see the mess they're living in now that mom's not there to clean up. I promise not to complain. Really. I'll try.

Once I finish filling her head about the perils of beer pong and walking alone at night, I realize she's not the only one that needs advice before she goes. I don't have a clue how to use Skype or Tivo or the remote. I'm not the only one having a hard time. For weeks my husband randomly calls me during the day just to say "Our baby is going away to college." Sigh. Lucky for me, I'm pretty sure he knows how to work the remote.

This brings to mind when we sent Mini-Me on her first (and only) sleepaway camp, her big brother said, "There goes one brave little soldier." Brave little soldier, indeed.

Enjoy your new adventure, Mini-Me! Be safe. Be smart. Be happy. We love you. XOXO

Carpool Goddess is a Shine Parenting Guru. Check out her lifestyle & parenting blog at CarpoolGoddess.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.