Turning College and Career Planning Into Family Communication (continued)

Making your way through the college decision-making and financing mazes are complex processes. We recommend using resources such as www.collegeboard.comas well as the financial aid offices of specific colleges and universities. Through these resources you will discover the advantages and disadvantages of various funding sources.

The final rule, or at least our final rule, for college planning is to, whenever possible and appropriate, make college financial planning a collaborative process with your children. For some, it might be the first practice they have at being an adult and making important, life-altering decisions. In the end, your role as advisor, supporter and financier should progressively shrink while your child's self-determination grows. If possible, step back and embrace the excitement, mystery and opportunity this whole process offers. Take time to sit down and communicate with your children about the various visions of the future. Make plans in a pleasant and positive way, perhaps over pizza or ice cream, sometimes even including friends or other family members. The message for your children is that life planning is an ongoing process involving self-awareness, exploration, communication, increasing responsibilities and exciting opportunities, one of which is the opportunity to regularly talk about and plan for the future.

Rita and John Sommers-Flanagan are counselor educators at the University of Montana. Contact them at john.sf@mso.umt.edu.