As your children approach the age of 18, it’s natural to start thinking about all the things you need to do before they leave the nest. While you may have a mental checklist of things like “teach them how to do their taxes” or “make sure they know how to cook a few basic meals,” you should also do fun things together as a family before your children move out. Here are six things you should do together before your kids leave home:
Go on a Family Vacation
It is important to take advantage of the opportunity to travel with your children while they’re still living at home. Once they leave the nest, they’ll be busy with their own lives and may not have the time or inclination to take a trip with the family. Even if you can only manage a weekend getaway, it will give you a chance to create lasting memories with your children. You can go on a:
- Road trip and explore different parts of the country.
- Beach vacation and build sandcastles together.
- Ski trip and hit the slopes as a family.
- Camping trip and roast marshmallows around the fire
No matter where you go or what you do, spending time together as a family is what’s important.
Do a Family Photoshoot
Before your children move out, a family photoshoot is a good idea. This way, you’ll have some professional-looking photos to remember your family by. You should pick a location that will be meaningful to your family. This could be where your children grew up or somewhere that holds special memories. Also, choose a time of day when the light is good. Early morning or late afternoon is usually best. Then you must ensure everyone is dressed comfortably and in clothes that they feel good in. Likewise, you should relax and have fun with the process. The more natural and relaxed everyone looks, the better the photos will turn out.
It’s important to ensure your family photos turn out great with high quality. These photos will become some of your most cherished memories, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make them perfect. You can take your photoshoot further by having your photos edited. Doing so will give them a more polished look and bring out the best in your images. You can achieve this effect by hiring image enhancement services that show your family photos in the best light. Moreover, you can also have these photos printed, framed, and hung in your home.
Cook a Family Meal Together
Cooking is a life skill everyone should know how to do, and it can be a great bonding experience for families. If you have children who are about to move out, take some time to cook a family meal together before they go. Not only will this give you a chance to teach them any family recipes you may have, but it will also ensure that they know how to cook for themselves when they no longer live with you. So before your children leave the nest, take some time to cook together as a family. It will be a memory that you cherish for years to come.
Go Through Your Family’s Financial History
This is a great opportunity to sit with your child and discuss money. Teach them about budgeting, saving, investing, and taxes. Go over your family’s financial history with them, so they can learn from your mistakes and make wise decisions with their own money. It also provides you with real-life experiences to use as examples when teaching your child about financial matters. Helping them understand the importance of financial responsibility will pay off later when they manage their own finances.
Share Your Wisdom
Take the opportunity to share your wisdom with your children. You can give them advice on everything from finances to relationships. Take some time to write down your thoughts on life, love, parenting, work, etc., so you can properly share your opinions with your children without confusing them. Likewise, if you have any concerns about their ability to cope with the responsibility of adulthood, now is the time to voice them. In addition, take the opportunity to tell your children how much you love and appreciate them. Let them know that you will always be there for them, no matter what. By sharing your wisdom now, you can help your children to transition into adulthood with confidence.
Preparing for your child’s departure from the nest can be an emotional experience. It might be difficult to let go, but it’s important to remember that they’re embarking on a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Give yourself peace of mind knowing that you’ve done everything possible to prepare them for adulthood.
Photo by Zach Reiner on Unsplash