When the time comes for your children to go to college, would it be more beneficial to have them live at home? This should help you weigh your decision.
In the Philippines, unlike in Western societies, it is uncommon for children to completely leave the nest. They often keep families–even extended families–close by throughout their whole lives. However, children do typically start to become independent by the time they enroll in college.
For Filipino youngsters, college is not purely about obtaining a degree—it is also an experience. It is where they try to find a balance between academics and extra-curricular to build a future on. It is also when most of them start living on their own for the first time.
Especially for children who’ve lived most of their lives with their family, living on their own can be quite a challenge. But then, there’s also the added difficulties of current problems such as traffic and flooding. Thus, if your child is on their way to college, you’ve probably already pondered on their living would-be situation. Would it be better if they lived at home? Here are the pros and cons of the situation.
Pros
Structure and support
With your children coming back from school every day, you’ll be assured that a healthy routine will be set for them. With this set-up, parents will be able to provide structure and support when their children need it—whether this is in the form of emotional support, or guidance, or through providing healthy meals, transportation, washed clothes, and even a pet. They will also be able to come back to an environment with lesser distractions than a college campus might have, which will allow them to focus on their academics.
Less hassle
Kids staying home will save their parents both time and effort–not to mention, money—seeking residence that could fit the bill. It can be quite costly to secure a dorm, apartment, or condominium good enough to make your son or daughter feel comfortable throughout their stay in college. There’s no need to go through the cumbersome process of moving out and in, which could likewise be costly–you’re safe from buying dorm necessities such as furnishings and appliances. You also have to take into consideration the safety of the location. If they remain at home, in close range, it’s less a cause for anxiety.
The sense of home
College is an enjoyable time, but it is also very stressful. Children will, sooner or later, delight in the opportunity to come back and feel at home in your household when they get overwhelmed from their daily student life. They will need to get disconnected. Being able to come home every day could be a healthy and nurturing experience.
Cons
Commuting
Coming back home every single day after school is great, but especially if you live from a sizeable distance, it can become completely exhausting. With the traffic situation in the metro currently at a near-unbearable state, your children would have to spend so much time getting back and forth to your home. If you consider how all those hours add up, you might have to re-think the practicality, even if it appears much cheaper than the alternative.
Lack of involvement
There is a thing to be said about experiencing college in its entirety—this means not just being there for the classes but being part of the community. Your children will find this part invaluable. If they come home every night, they might miss a significant part of their youth. This includes shared experiences, school events, and making deeper bonds with their friends.
Dependence
Living on their own is an opportunity for growth, as your children will learn to become completely self-reliant. It will sharpen their practical skills, such as living on a budget and cooking for themselves. A home to come back to each day could hamper this growth by encouraging them to be overly dependent and leave them still feeling like a kid. Of course, it’s always a big leap of faith for every parent. However, once done, it can be fulfilling in the long run for both.
College students need to be where they need to be. With accommodations closer to their schools and universities, they could get the best of both worlds—experience college for what it is without the hassle of commuting, and still going back to their families every once in a while. Investing in homes closer to their schools will give them the space to achieve their potentials, and send them on the way to becoming functional and well-rounded adults for their future.
On top of schooling, traffic is one of the most pressing issues students have to face. Read how the traffic situation in the Philippines is affecting college students.
Source: Affordable Colleges Online
