Parenting Expert explains how to prepare your teen for college

July 1, 2026 - 08:12

As summer approaches, many families with high school seniors face a major milestone: sending a child off to college. Parenting expert Donna Tetreault recently spoke with California Live's Amber Pfister about how parents can use that final summer to prepare their teens for life on their own.

According to Tetreault, the last summer before college is one of the most critical periods in a young person's life. It is not just a time for packing dorm supplies or buying textbooks. Instead, it is a window to teach real-world skills that classrooms often skip. She advises parents to step back and let teens handle more responsibility during these months.

Practical steps include having teens manage their own laundry, cook simple meals, and handle a small budget for groceries or outings. Tetreault also suggests practicing conversations about health and safety, like what to do if they feel sick or how to handle a late night on campus. The goal is not to overwhelm them, but to build confidence before they arrive at school.

Emotional readiness matters just as much. Tetreault encourages parents to talk openly about homesickness and loneliness, normalizing those feelings so teens know it is okay to ask for help. She also recommends setting up a regular check-in schedule, like a weekly video call, to stay connected without hovering.

the expert says, the best gift parents can give is trust. Letting teens make small mistakes now, while still at home, helps them learn before the stakes are higher. With a little planning, that last summer can become a launchpad for independence.