best kids bike 6 yr old image
Q. Examples: how many sets of sheets? Laundry basket? Towels? My son will be going away next year and I want to start buying things that he can take with him. I also want him to use them...not go wasted because they are not what an 18 yr. old would want.
Answer
Many schools also have lists of what they suggest kids bring and not bring. Once you know which school he will be attending, you can contact the houseing department and they should be able to give you a list.
In the mean time, you can start pre-shopping to spread out the expenses. Most schools have extra long twin beds, standard twin sheets won't fit. If your local stores don't stock them, the national catalog vendors do--Lands End, Garnet Hill, etc.
Two sets of sheets, a light blanket or comforter, a pillow or two should be enough for the bed. Towels are bulky and storage is at a premium, 4-5 bath towels, 6-8 wash cloths, and 2-3 hand towels will get him through the week. Some kids will use a plastic laundry basket, some will prefer a drawstring duffle bag for laundry, that's a question for your son. (The advantage of the basket is that it is easier to toss dirty clothes into one place, the disadvantage is that it takes a lot of floor space and both hands carrying it to the laundry. The advantage of the duffle is that it's a little more discreet and can be carried with one hand. The disadvantage is that it is harder to use to toss dirty clothes at the end of each day.)
Many dorms now come equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave oven. Most do not allow other cooking in the room. Two each of the following will allow him to nuke simple meals and snacks: plastic plates, bowls, tumblers and mugs. (Anything more takes too much storage.)
A water pitcher with a filter with a cleanable water bottle will allow him to take water to class without the expense of buying bottle water. Some of the cleanable bottles you can buy have clips for back packs or belts.
Ask your son what he considers essential and you will get a more electronic answer: a computer, printer, and sound system,(plus power strips and surge protectors.) Some schools want incoming freshmen to have the same sort of computer, some want them to have laptops. You should wait until he is accepted to buy this equipment. (All the major computer suppliers will run sales in the fall for students.)
Most schools don't allow freshmen to have a car. If he is going to to a school with a large campus, you might consider a bicycle with a good lock. (Do NOT get an expensive bike with all the bells and whistles, it will be more likely to be targeted by thieves.)
Before he leaves, take photos of all the big ticket items he is taking and engrave them with some sort of identification--his initials and your home phone number. Your home town and the last few digits of his student ID number--something unique. Make a folder with all the receipts, model numbers, and warranty information so you will have it in one place. Check with your homeowner's insurance and see if his bike and computer will be covered with your policy. If not, you might consider adding a small insurance rider to cover them against theft, loss, etc.
Once you see his dorm room, you will be able to see what sort of extra storage he will need. Over the door hangers, and slender stacking shelves/drawers are available from many national suppliers. He and his roommate can coordinate who needs what and share some of the cost. The last thing he is likely to need for comfort's sake is a rug for the room. You can get inexpensive carpet remnants and have the store bind the edges or check the catalogs for options.
Once your son has been accepted, your mailbox should overflow with companies wanting to supply all these things. Good-luck to you both.
Many schools also have lists of what they suggest kids bring and not bring. Once you know which school he will be attending, you can contact the houseing department and they should be able to give you a list.
In the mean time, you can start pre-shopping to spread out the expenses. Most schools have extra long twin beds, standard twin sheets won't fit. If your local stores don't stock them, the national catalog vendors do--Lands End, Garnet Hill, etc.
Two sets of sheets, a light blanket or comforter, a pillow or two should be enough for the bed. Towels are bulky and storage is at a premium, 4-5 bath towels, 6-8 wash cloths, and 2-3 hand towels will get him through the week. Some kids will use a plastic laundry basket, some will prefer a drawstring duffle bag for laundry, that's a question for your son. (The advantage of the basket is that it is easier to toss dirty clothes into one place, the disadvantage is that it takes a lot of floor space and both hands carrying it to the laundry. The advantage of the duffle is that it's a little more discreet and can be carried with one hand. The disadvantage is that it is harder to use to toss dirty clothes at the end of each day.)
Many dorms now come equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave oven. Most do not allow other cooking in the room. Two each of the following will allow him to nuke simple meals and snacks: plastic plates, bowls, tumblers and mugs. (Anything more takes too much storage.)
A water pitcher with a filter with a cleanable water bottle will allow him to take water to class without the expense of buying bottle water. Some of the cleanable bottles you can buy have clips for back packs or belts.
Ask your son what he considers essential and you will get a more electronic answer: a computer, printer, and sound system,(plus power strips and surge protectors.) Some schools want incoming freshmen to have the same sort of computer, some want them to have laptops. You should wait until he is accepted to buy this equipment. (All the major computer suppliers will run sales in the fall for students.)
Most schools don't allow freshmen to have a car. If he is going to to a school with a large campus, you might consider a bicycle with a good lock. (Do NOT get an expensive bike with all the bells and whistles, it will be more likely to be targeted by thieves.)
Before he leaves, take photos of all the big ticket items he is taking and engrave them with some sort of identification--his initials and your home phone number. Your home town and the last few digits of his student ID number--something unique. Make a folder with all the receipts, model numbers, and warranty information so you will have it in one place. Check with your homeowner's insurance and see if his bike and computer will be covered with your policy. If not, you might consider adding a small insurance rider to cover them against theft, loss, etc.
Once you see his dorm room, you will be able to see what sort of extra storage he will need. Over the door hangers, and slender stacking shelves/drawers are available from many national suppliers. He and his roommate can coordinate who needs what and share some of the cost. The last thing he is likely to need for comfort's sake is a rug for the room. You can get inexpensive carpet remnants and have the store bind the edges or check the catalogs for options.
Once your son has been accepted, your mailbox should overflow with companies wanting to supply all these things. Good-luck to you both.
Tips for babysitting two six year olds: a boy and a girl?
Cate
Hello, I'm 16 and not really gifted with kids, but I promised a friend of my mother's that I'd watch her kids. Does anyone have links or tips that would be useful? Their mother said the girl is extremely easygoing, but apparently the boy is a tougher challenge. I've only met the girl once and never spoken to the boy, so I'm not sure of what I should expect.
We'll have about five hours together.
Answer
Well I have a 6 yr old son and at this age they'll be quite willing to interact with anything you want to do. They love board games like snakes & ladders and junior monopoly, they love kids tv, computer games, colouring, reading, playing outside on bikes etc so there's plenty of options there. Just make sure they're fed and watered and that you all have a good time, don't let them run rings around you, a 6 year old is more switched on than you may think.....you're the boss!
Well I have a 6 yr old son and at this age they'll be quite willing to interact with anything you want to do. They love board games like snakes & ladders and junior monopoly, they love kids tv, computer games, colouring, reading, playing outside on bikes etc so there's plenty of options there. Just make sure they're fed and watered and that you all have a good time, don't let them run rings around you, a 6 year old is more switched on than you may think.....you're the boss!
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