According to the Education Data Initiative, college enrollment is currently over 19 million students per year. While this is down from peak enrollment in prior years, it's a statistic that reinforces how a college education remains a popular path for many students after high school.

Not all students are ready for college life after living under their parents' roof for so long. In this post, we'll share actionable insight on how to prepare your child for college.

Encourage Independence

College is likely the first time your child isn't going to have you as a safety net when things get tough. Whatever choices your child is making, even if you don't agree with them, they will still learn and grow from these decisions and will become more independent along the way.

Teach Them Life Skills

Unless your child is commuting to college and living under your roof, they're going to be living on their own, and likely for the first time in their life. While they're sure to enjoy newfound freedom, there's also a lot of responsibility involved with living alone.

Life skills you could help them learn include:

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Laundry
• Time Management
• Budgeting
• Discipline to get to class, do their homework and meet deadlines.
• Effective study habits

Be Encouraging and Supportive

Attending a university isn't just a way for your child to receive a great education; it's also a period when they can find themselves and come into their own. It's important to be encouraging and supportive during this transition. Encourage your child to get involved in campus life by joining on-campus clubs, attending school sporting events, volunteering, or joining a fraternity or sorority.

Academically, encourage your child to pursue a degree program in a career field that they'd enjoy, and that would allow them to meet any personal goals.

College is a period where your child can spread their wings, and you can cheer them on, encouraging and supporting them along the way.

Don't Be a 'Helicopter Parent'

It can be tempting to drop everything and be there for your child the second something goes wrong, but there can be consequences for being overprotective. Reduced independence, difficulties with problem-solving, poor self-esteem and challenges forming relationships. Part of growing up is empowering your child with the ability to figure things out on their own. Consider practicing more of this style of parenting in the weeks and months before your child leaves for college.