Do you have older kids? Older as in off to college or university?

No matter how old your kids get, you’ll never stop being their mom. So when that bittersweet milestone of your baby leaving the nest becomes a reality, you’ll sleep better at night knowing that you’ve equipped them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. What are some questions parents ask their college kids so that they’re prepared for being away from home?

Hopefully your teenager knows a thing or two about proper hygiene by now! Your soon-to-be adult will think they know everything, but when push comes to shove, they’ll be calling mom for tips and tricks on how to do their own laundry. Some other things, however, they may not need your help asking… ahem.

Here are Three Questions Parents Ask Their College Kids:

Three Questions Parents Ask Their College Kids

“Did you do your own laundry?”

Stain removers, sorting and scooping are not for students. Let’s face it. They’re just looking for an easy solution to the challenge ahead – no clean socks or underwear and they’ve got a date in a few hours. Send them off to school with a container of the new Arm & Hammer™ Plus OxiClean™ 3-In-1 Power Paks. This all-in-one detergent tackles tough stains, doesn’t require any measuring or scooping and is student-budget friendly. If you’re lucky, it may also mean you’re not greeted with a load of dirty laundry every time your kid comes home to visit.

Don’t be surprised when you receive a call or text saying, “Mom, how do I sort my laundry?” Or “Where do I find the washing instructions?” To help make laundry easier (and prevent shrinking t-shirts and colour bleed disasters at the same time!), educate them on the proper laundry symbols. In fact, you can download a fun laundry symbols postcard from Arm & Hammer Laundry here that lists the most common symbols and what they mean.

Laundry Symbols

“Did you take a shower?”

Just because you’re the one who’s prepping the kids for back-to-school, doesn’t mean they can’t teach you a cool thing or two – beauty hacks are no exception! One must-have item that’s as just as popular amongst moms as with students is Batiste Dry Shampoo. It is the world’s #1 dry shampoo (*sold in 50 countries) for a reason – it instantly refreshes your hair between washes, no water required.  It works by absorbing excess oil from the roots leaving hair looking clean and fresh.

So, whether you’re running late or just looking for an instant refresh, new Batiste Dry Shampoo Heavenly Volume is a saving grace as it has the additional benefit of transforming hair with gorgeous, touchable volume and bounce. This is one item you won’t forget anytime you’re in a pinch and who knows, you might even find yourself sneaking into her bag to borrow some when you’re out!

“Are you practicing safe sex?”

One of the biggest challenges as a parent, is how to talk to your kids about safe sex. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s a necessary conversation and part of life! The harsh reality is that kids are having sex, yet not properly protecting themselves.* In fact, a study found that almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of post-secondary students across the country had a sexual encounter within the past year. Furthermore, 72 per cent of students engaged in intercourse during their last sexual encounter, yet only about half (51 per cent) reported using a condom.

If you have a child heading off to school, buy condoms for them and pack them in their suitcase.  Trojan™ condoms are the number one condom choice of Canadians for protection.

 

Enter to Win

Know of someone in college or university? Help make sure they’re equipped with this student care package giveaway. What you’ll win:

  • OxiClean Colour Shield Laundry Stain Remover
  • Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Power Paks in Fresh Scent
  • Trojan XOXO Condoms and Bareskin Lubricated Condoms
  • Batiste Dry Shampoo Heavenly Volume

Approximate retail value $75

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

*2013 survey among university students age 18-24, conducted by Trojan™ and the Sex Information Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN)

 

Discloure: I’m a Church & Dwight ambassador and receive compensation and perks. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.

Author

Maria Lianos-Carbone is the author of “Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year”, and publisher of amotherworld.com, a leading lifestyle blog for women.

31 Comments

  1. Stephanie LaPlante Reply

    I’d like to win this for one of my younger siblings.

  2. Nancy Loring Reply

    I would like to give this to my daughter who is in her first year of college in a different state. I have been getting calls almost every day from here since she left telling me about the things that she needs at college. I just sent her a care package the other day.

  3. I have three boys in college, I could give this to anyone of them.

  4. I would give it to my friend’s daughter who just entered university this year.

  5. summer plewes Reply

    This would be for my son. Starting post secondary very soon!!

  6. michelle tremblett Reply

    My little brother just started college last week, this wold be a awesome gift for him 🙂

  7. Tara Betterley Reply

    I would give this to my niece that is just starting her first year of college and living on campus!

  8. Holly MacRitchie Reply

    I would give this to my friend’s daughter who left one week ago!

  9. Amy Heffernan Reply

    I would love to give this to my 19 year old who just moved out on his own! Thanks!

Reply To Holly MacRitchie Cancel Reply

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