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There are many home remedies for high cholesterol in the blood. Before moving further in tackling all these sensible ideas, it would be better if a basic knowledge about cholesterol and its function is well understood.

Cholesterol plays an essential task in the formation of hormones and Vitamin D in the human body. Adequate amounts needed by the body should be made by the body so as to ensure proper body functioning. Cholesterol is an oily substance and it needs to be packaged with lipoproteins so as to move through the blood; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The former is regarded as the “bad cholesterol” while the latter is known as the “good cholesterol”.

HDL helps to transport excessive cholesterol out of the body while LDL has the tendency to build up in the plaque causing blockage to the blood flow; thus regarded as the bad cholesterol. When this happens, there will be greater chances of plaque buildup in the walls of the artery, which may lead to development of devastating and life-threatening medical conditions.

High cholesterol level in the blood is one of the most common causes of heart attack. This is the reason why it is very essential that everyone should be cautious about how to reduce its level in the blood with the use of some valuable home remedies for high cholesterol.

Regular consumption of healthy diet as well as lifestyle modification is one of the best and most natural home remedies for high cholesterol. Lifestyle modification includes changing your daily activities and habits. For example, if you are living a sedentary lifestyle, you should now start to incorporate exercise in your daily routine. Following a heart healthy diet means staying away from LDL-rich foods usually those oily and fatty foods. On the other hand, eating foods that are rich in HDL such as salmon and tuna can help lower cholesterol level in the blood.

Ginger is one of the most sought-after home remedies for high cholesterol. Known to be having great capabilities of thinning the blood leading to better blood circulation, ginger is considered a valuable and affordable home remedy for high cholesterol. Other natural sources include Vitamin C-rich foods, walnuts, garlic, and tomatoes either fresh or extracted into juice. High-fiber rich foods and sunflower seeds are proven to be effective home remedies for high cholesterol.

Other home remedies for high cholesterol are:

• Eat raw garlic daily.

• Eat 2-3 apples every day.

• Walnuts can treat high cholesterol levels.

• Consume tomatoes, you can either eat them fresh, in a salad, or drink tomato juice.

• Eat soy products to lower cholesterol levels.

• Sunflower seeds are very good remedy for cholesterol.

• Eat food that contains fiber.

• Make a cup of lemon grass tea, add 2 teaspoons of honey and drink slowly.

• Make a cup of tea, add 3 cinnamon sticks and drink.

• Eat or drink grapefruit daily.

High cholesterol concentration in the body is a precursor to many serious and damaging conditions. Knowing some of these home remedies for high cholesterol is not only meant to help you save your bucks but most importantly – your life.

The author is the owner of www.homeremediesguru.com . For more information about Home Remedies for High Cholesterol visit www.homeremediesguru.com/cure/high_cholesterol.aspx .

Are you suffering from hair loss or in the verge of being bald? If you are, then knowing some home remedies for hair loss would be useful for you.

Losing some strands of hair each day as a natural process of growing new hair and losing some old hair. However, there are some instances when excessive hair is being lost that may lead to baldness. When this happens, some home remedies for hair loss can help you cope with the situation.

There are some commercial and chemically prepared solutions known to prevent excessive hair loss. But there is a great consequence that this preparation might come with unfavorable effects especially for those who are prone to allergies.

One of the effective and natural home remedies for hair loss is to consume protein-rich diet. This includes soybeans, lentils, milk and milk products like cheese. Lean meat and fish are also foods rich in protein.

One of the most important causes of hair loss is not enough nutrition in the diet. This is why consuming vitamin-rich and fiber-rich diet is an important factor in preventing hair loss.

There are many home remedies for hair loss that you can take advantage of when suffering from hair loss that may lead to partial or total baldness.

Common Home Remedies for Hair Loss

Rubbing of Scalp - After washing the hair with cold water, rub the scalp actively until it begins to combine with the heat. Doing this in a regular manner will stimulate the sebaceous gland and improve blood circulation to encourage healthy hair growth.

Margosa leaves- Margosa leaves are one of the most effective home remedies for hair loss. Wash the hair with blended margosa leaves to help stop falling hair. In addition to being a hair loss treatment, margosa leaves are also effective to get rid of lice and retain blackness of the hair.

Alfalfa- Combine the juice of alfalfa with lettuce and carrot juice; drink it daily. This concoction is proven to remarkably stimulate hair growth.

Coconut milk- Prepare the coconut milk by squeezing the milk out of the grinded coconut shavings. Apply it all over the scalp, then massage into the hair roots; finally rinse.

Onion- This one is effective if baldness occurs in patches. Onion is rubbed in the affected area until the area turns red usually twice a day; preferably in the morning and evening. Honey should be rubbed after rubbing with onion.

Coconut Oil- Mix refined coconut oil with lime water and lime juice; apply on hair. This combination prevents hair loss and helps encourage faster hair growth.

These home preparations are effective in treating less severe cases of hair loss. If you notice that there are other underlying conditions that might be causing falling of hair in extensive amounts, it is advisable that you consult a medical professional and not rely only in home remedies for hair loss.

Other good home treatments you can try to make on your own:

• Make lettuce and spinach juice and mix them together. Wash your hair with the mixture daily.

• Break one egg and apply on your hair for 1 hour, massage your hair a few times for better results.

• Pour olive oil on your head and massage it into your scalp to prevent more hair loss.

• Boil water in a pot and add rosemary leaves, mix and cook until you get a mixture. Wait for 30 minutes and apply on your hair.

• Massage Aloe Vera into your scalp wash it with lukewarm water.

• Mix honey and egg yolk and apply on your hair. Let it stand for 20-40 minutes and wash well with cold water so it won’t stick.

• Use coconut milk instead of shampoo when washing your hair.

• Henna is very good for the hair, it makes it shine and also very good when losing hair. Apply henna on your hair, let it stand for a few minutes but not too long or your hair will turn red.

• Mix rosemary leaves with lemon, egg white, and olive oil. Apply on your hair for 20-40 minutes and wash with cold water.

• Smear honey on your scalp, let it stand for 20 minutes and wash with warm water. Be careful the honey might stick to your hair, use only with short hair.

The author is the owner of www.homeremediesguru.com. For more information about Home Remedies for Hair Loss visit www.homeremediesguru.com/cure/hair_loss.aspx

Familiarity with sensible home remedies for acne is essential during teenage life because acne is a very common problem that occurs in teenagers and adult people. While the condition can be treated by commercial and prescription creams and medicines; still nothing is more effective and cost-efficient treatment than using home remedies for acne.

Preventive is always better that reactive treatment – meaning proper care of the skin can help you avoid experiencing the devastating effects that acne can bring about. There are important things to consider so as observing proper skin care such as keeping the face clean to prevent clogging of pores with dirt and oil and avoiding some foods that are greatly associated with the development of acne breakouts. Getting enough night sleep is also essential in preventing acne. However, if your job requires you to stay late at night or needs to stay awake the whole night it would be useful to always keep chamomile tea handy. Instead of washing face with soap and water, use chamomile tea.

Smoking is another habit that you should try to avoid if you want to have an acne clear skin. This is because smoking is not good for the skin and may induce the occurrence of pimples, blackheads, and other skin breakouts. Healthy and vitamin-rich diet can be a vital part of acne prevention plan.

Getting to know essential home remedies for acne can help you save your money and time spent in visiting a dermatologist in your desire to treat your unsightly acne.

Common Home Remedies for Acne

Fine oatmeal and natural yoghurt - Combine and mix natural yoghurt and fine oatmeal until it is of thick paste consistency. Apply to skin and leave until dry. Use lukewarm water when washing the face. Pat dry;

Honey and cinnamon powder- Mix honey and cinnamon powder until of paste texture then apply before sleeping. Let it stand in the face until the next morning. Upon waking in the morning, wash the face with water. This is one of the best natural home remedies for acne.

Ground nut oil and lime juice- In a container, combine one tablespoon of ground nut oil with one tablespoon of fresh lime juice then apply on the skin.

Lime juice and milk- Boil half glass of milk and mix it with fresh lime juice. Apply on skin with pimples and blackheads.

Other common Home made treatments:

• Make facial wash by using lemon and rose water. Mix them together and apply the liquid on your face. Leave it for a few minutes and then wash off by using cotton pad soaked in warm water.

• Use egg whites to treat your acne; apply the egg whites on your face and leave for 10 -15 minutes. Then wash your face with cold water.

• Mix oatmeal and natural yogurt and apply on your face for a few minutes. When you feel the mixture dries on your face, wash it with warm water.

• Drink a lot of water during the day.

• Eat many cucumbers during the day in order to keep your face acne free.

• Drink warm water with lemon a few times a day.

• Eat healthy food; make sure you eat a lot of fruit and vegetables.

• Take a cotton pad and dip it in rose water, clean your face with the rose water a few times a day to get better looking skin.

• Take one lemon and squeeze its juice. Apply the lemon juice on the acne pimples and leave for 20 minutes. Then wash your face with lukewarm water. If your skin stings from the lemon, wash your face before the 20 minutes are over.

• Apply garlic cloth on the acne to make it heal faster.

Diet modification including Vitamin C and E-rich foods are essential in acne prevention. Eating foods rich with these nutrients provides antioxidants that can help refresh and revitalize the skin. Those who have acne or in the past had acne know very well the misery and anguish that acne can bring about. Knowledge of some valuable home remedies for acne can help you prevent going through the same misery – the natural way.

The author is the owner of www.homeremediesguru.com. For more information about Home Remedies for Acne visit www.homeremediesguru.com/cure/acne.aspx

Nail fungus can make your toenails look pretty gross and although gross nails will not kill you they can make you very self conscious and your over all appearance may suffer and your social life will be ruined. Nearly ever so-called expert agrees that prescribed ointments and such do not really work all that well. Side effects stop many doctors from prescribing effective oral treatments. Limited options means finding a home remedy.

Unfortunately there are no standards that exist for making a nail fungus home remedy. Most remedies are passed down from one family member to another and become the experimentation of the individuals. Here are a few of the remedies that people find effective:

Tea Tree Oil has been used as an effective remedy for nail fungus because the natural oil found in the Tea Tree has anti fungal properties. Purchase a bottle and place a few drops on the affected area each day and rub it in. You can combine this oil with others like almond, olive and lavender.

A very healthy diet may not seem like a cure for nail fungus but it certainly a heck of a start to not ever getting nail fungus in the first place. So you can easily argue it being a home remedy of sorts. It is a well known fact that individuals who have weak immune systems will run the risk of getting infected much more than others and you can fortify your body’s defenses by eating the right kinds of food. Supplement a nutritious diet with exercise to improve your blood circulation.

Being that the common mouthwash is an antiseptic it is also commonly used as a home remedy for nail fungus due to its antiseptic properties. Soak your nails in a small bowl of mouthwash for just a few minutes each day. Hydrogen Peroxide is often combined to mouthwash.

The highly acidic property of vinegar is believed to quickly kill off nail fungus. All that you have to do is soak your nails in a small bowl of vinegar once or two times a day. Doing so can cause the nail fungus to go away within a week.

Gold Bond (or Baby Powder) may not be thought of as a real cure for nail fungus but foot powder, not really being a home remedy either, can be used to stop your condition from worsening over time or recurring once it is cured. Nail fungus grows when in a dark, wet place – such as when your feet sweat. Using baby powder or foot powder prevents moisture from appearing and thus stops nail fungus.

Vitamin E is a well known antioxidant that is found to be used in many products to fight off the toxins that are found in the body. Vitamin E oil is also a popular remedy for nail fungus and the oil can be rubbed on as well as under the nail with a cotton swab. It is best used several times a day but some sources say less is more by only applying the oil a couple of times during a week.

If you find that standard medication will not work for you, then it is time that you should consider a home remedy for your nagging nail fungus. There is nothing for you to feat, let alone lose so why not give it a try? Keep in mind, however, that not every single home remedy will work for every person and it may take several attempts to find the right one for you.

Still Living With Ugly, Thick, Discolored and Irregular Nails? Discover the Best Natural Cure For Nail Fungus at my website. Visit http://www.ClearNailSolution.com Now! Read my another popular article Listerine Toenail Fungus Cure Tips for more information.

There are many prescription medicines intended to cure herpes, but still the role of efficient home remedies for herpes is still trusted by most herpes patients. This is probably because natural treatments are less expensive. Due to the high demands more and more ideas and information regarding home remedies for herpes continue to emerge, which is a good thing for many herpes sufferers.

Different treatments bring about different effects to varying individuals. An effective treatment method to one can’t have the same favorable effects to another. The rationale behind this consequence is because every individual is different with one another. The most effective approach is to try out various methods and not solely rely on a single treatment alone. Doing this is crucial in occasions when the other one is not available within a certain period of time. Having supplementary home remedies for herpes can help you when faced in times of unavailability.

One of the most important steps to preventing herpes to aggravate is to always keep the genital area clean and dry. This will help promote faster healing of present sores in the genital area. You can also keep it dry by smattering it with baby powder after patting it dry shortly after washing with water.

Bitter melon is also one of the most valuable home remedies for herpes. Extracted juice from bitter melon should be continuously consumed for four weeks and discontinue for the next four weeks. The extract has been proven to be effective in killing strains of herpes. However, those who have previous history of liver infection and HIV AIDS are greatly advised not to take this treatment option.

Hot Epson salt bath can help heal the herpes sores faster and at the same time is vital for pain relief. Pour a considerable amount of Epson salt as you fill the bath tub with hot water that you can tolerate. Sit in the tub for at least thirty minutes for at least twice a day. It would also be helpful if you will apply olive oil after the bath rub.

A slice of lemon directly applied in the sores can help provide instantaneous relief and help in faster healing of the swollen areas usually within the timeframe of two to three days.

Tea tree oil is one of the most in effect home remedies of herpes because of its antibiotic property. Considered as a natural antibiotic; tea tree oil can help kill and eliminate the virus present in the sores. Apply it in the swollen affected areas several times a day.

Other good treatments:

• Slice a lemon and put the slice on the herpes.

• Take 1 garlic clove and apply on the herpes to help it go away.

• Make tea tree oil, soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply on the herpes to make it go away.

• Make a cup of black coffee, strain the liquid and use the dough to apply on the herpes.

• Cut aloe vera leaf and apply the liquid on the herpes.

• Grown-ups remedy for herpes: Soak a cotton wool in vodka and apply on the herpes.

Natural treatments for herpes are unceasingly emerging one by one; try experimenting on which one will bring more positive consequences in your case. This will help you evaluate which ones should be considered as the best home remedies for herpes for you.

The author is the owner of www.homeremediesguru.com. For more information about Home Remedies for Herpes visit www.homeremediesguru.com/cure/herpes.aspx.

Experts say that nail fungus can be hard to cure, but really this is not true. The main reason many people have a hard time finding nail fungus cures is because they continue to be re-infected by the same fungus. Nail fungus will continue to be re introduced to the nail as long as the fungus remains where the nail is. By eliminating the cause of the fungus and using the right nail fungus cures you can have beautiful nails once again.

The mistake that many people make and doctors do not treat is the place where the nails are infected. Fungus thrives in an environment that is damp and warm. Once you have a nail fungus infection you must take measures to not only cure the infection but also prevent re-infection. You should eliminate the shoes that are worn which cause your feet to sweat. Sneaker are the main cause of a nail fungus infection. Nail fungus cures only work when the nails are protected from being re-infected. By replacing or treating the shoes, socks and even nail tools that you use you can not only cure the infection but prevent it’s return.

Nail fungus infections are usually found on the toe nails but can also be found in the finger nail beds as well. The infections in finger nail beds may be linked to the use of artificial nails and the tools used to perform manicures. These tools should be disinfected after each use. Finger nail fungus cures should also include the elimination of artificial nails. Artificial nails hold moisture in and do not allow the finger nails to breathe.

There are several nail fungus cures that you can preform at home without a doctors prescription. They have been found to be just as effective as a doctors prescription. The best nail fungus cures are those which use vinegar baths. Soaking the infected nails in a solution of vinegar and warm water will fill the fungus leaving the nails free of the spores that cause the discoloration, odor and hardening of the nails. This treatment should be continued long after the symptoms of the fungus has cleared up to insure that there will not be a flare up of the infection. The vinegar acts as an antiseptic which kills the fungus spores. Once the fungus spores have been killed it will take time for the affected nail to grow out. Once the nail has grown out you will be left with beautiful nails once again.

Oils have also been found to be effective nail fungus cures. The use of tea tree oil or oregano oils can also kill the fungus under the nails. These oils have anti fungal properties. They kill the fungus to leave the nail beautiful again. This treatment is more do able for many people who just don’t have the time to soak their nails for 30-60 minutes twice a day. You simple place a few drops of the oils onto the infected area of the nail. This treatment will also have to be continued long after the symptoms of the infection have left. This is also a treatment that takes longer for the fungus to be killed.

No matter what nail fungus cures you use it is vital to prevent the re-infection of the nails by eliminating the infection source. You should consider wearing open toe shoes when ever possible or go bare foot when possible to allow the nails to breathe. This will keep the nails clean and dry. By keeping the nails clean and dry the fungus is no longer in it’s preferred environment.

Still Living With Ugly, Thick, Discolored and Irregular Nails? Discover the Best Natural Cure For Nail Fungus at my website http://www.clearnailsolution.com Read my another popular article How To Get Rid of Toenail Fungus? for more information.

For many people, memory loss comes naturally with old age. While it may, therefore, be inevitable, there are vitamins and dietary supplements you can take to delay its onset or to recover from it. Reportedly a diet rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamins B6 and B12, polyphenol, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, Gingko biloba extract, ayurvedic herbs, and carotenoids, can significantly lessen the impact of memory loss in old age.

Examples of essential fatty acids are fish oils, and they are necessary in brain function. In fact, people who have Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory problems, are found to have low levels of essential fatty acids.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant found in all tissues, including the brain. People who do not take Vitamin E regularly are likely to be prone to develop neurological and memory problems. Folate, and Vitamins B6 and B12 are also important in brain function. Memory loss, confusion, and dementia have been associated with low levels of these vitamins.

Polyphenol, found in the skin of red grapes, offers protection against brain-related problems, so this is one thing your diet must include. Get a load of Alpha-Lipoic Acid or ALA in your diet, too. The ALA is an antioxidant that is found effective against neurodegenerative diseases. Another antioxidant that protects the brain is coenzyme Q10.

The Gingko biloba extract has been proven to treat dementia in the elderly. It can improve brain function by stimulating blood flow towards the brain. Other herbs, such as the ashwaganda, holy basil, and the brahmi have favorable effects on the function of the brain. Sage, in particular, has been reportedly found effective in treating Alzheimer’s.

Other vitamins that can help with the treatment:

Recover From Memory Loss with Vitamins

For many people, memory loss comes naturally with old age. While it may, therefore, be inevitable, there are vitamins and dietary supplements you can take to delay its onset or to recover from it. Reportedly a diet rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamins B6 and B12, polyphenol, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, Gingko biloba extract, ayurvedic herbs, and carotenoids, can significantly lessen the impact of memory loss in old age.

Examples of essential fatty acids are fish oils, and they are necessary in brain function. In fact, people who have Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory problems, are found to have low levels of essential fatty acids.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant found in all tissues, including the brain. People who do not take Vitamin E regularly are likely to be prone to develop neurological and memory problems. Folate, and Vitamins B6 and B12 are also important in brain function. Memory loss, confusion, and dementia have been associated with low levels of these vitamins.

Polyphenol, found in the skin of red grapes, offers protection against brain-related problems, so this is one thing your diet must include. Get a load of Alpha-Lipoic Acid or ALA in your diet, too. The ALA is an antioxidant that is found effective against neurodegenerative diseases. Another antioxidant that protects the brain is coenzyme Q10.

The Gingko biloba extract has been proven to treat dementia in the elderly. It can improve brain function by stimulating blood flow towards the brain. Other herbs, such as the ashwaganda, holy basil, and the brahmi have favorable effects on the function of the brain. Sage, in particular, has been reportedly found effective in treating Alzheimer’s.

Other vitamins that can help with the treatment:

Memory Loss And vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is pyridoxine. Research shows that inadequate amount of Vitamin B6 in the body could possibly lead to memory loss.

In a certain study, a group of men were given 20 milligrams of Vitamin B6 every day for three months. After which, a memory test was given to them. The men who took Vitamin B6 regularly showed significant gains in terms of both long-term and short-term memory spans.

Vitamin B12 as a cure for Memory Loss

Just like Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the functions of the brain as well.

Doctors indicate that the deficiency of Vitamin B12 could possibly lead to the development of neurological symptoms such as fatigue, disorientation, and memory loss.

Lack of Vitamin B12 in the body directly creates problems in the patient’s nervous system.

Helping Memory Loss with Anti-Oxidant Vitamins

Both Vitamins C and Vitamins E are known to be good antioxidants.

As such, they rid the body of all free radicals. Free radicals are the elements speeds up aging in a person. Without free radicals and other harmful elements in the body, the cells are preserved and renewed like they should. These two vitamins can keep brain cells healthy.

Last but not least of these vitamins and dietary supplements are carotenoids. Carotenoids, which give fruits and vegetables the characteristic red, orange and yellow colors, protect the body against oxidative damage.

The author is the owner of www.vitaminbag.com . For more information about Vitamins for Memory Loss visit www.vitaminbag.com/treatment/memory_loss.aspx .

Fungal or fungus infections, as most people do not probably know, are diseases. Many healthy and able-bodied people, like you and me, suffer from fungal infections. Many fungal infections are mild affecting such areas as nails, skin, hair, and other superficial areas. These fungal infections clear up eventually.

Nail Fungus

A person with a defective or impaired immune system may suffer from the infection for a longer period than usual. Let us dwell on a particular area of fungal infection, the nails. This kind of fungal infection happens when one or more of your nails are infected by fungi. You may not know it but you may be already suffering from nail fungal infection right now. If you notice a white or yellow area under your toenail or fingernail then what you have may just be nail fungal infection.

The nail infection almost always digs deeper or may spread into your nail (mind you, the infection chooses any of your nail that it fancies). The spread of the disease will make your nail change its color, become thick and later on, form deteriorating edges. Your infected nails become painful and as such, are not beautiful to see due to the infection.

Your Nail Is Under Attack

Nail fungal infection begin to form on nails that are always or continuously exposed to humid environment. By this, we mean warm and moist. One part worth looking into or checking is your shoes. Why, you may ask? Are they comfortable and dry or do you have a mini spa inside your shoe?

Your nail fungal infection may not even be alone because athlete’s foot, although not the same, can also come from the same fungus. So you see, nail fungal infection is something worth looking into. This kind of infection is not easy to treat, but it is treatable. Infections may come and go and come back again. Fortunately, there are medications for this kind of infection.

Onychomycosis

Your nail fungal infection, assuming you have one, also has another name, onychomycosis. You can detect if one or more of your nails have fungal infection. When you look at your nails, ask yourself have my nails thickened? Are my nails brittle or ragged? Have you noticed any deformation? Or do you see any dark spots under your nail? Dirt caused by not cleaning your nails regularly does not count as fungal infection.

If ever one of your nails, whether it be your fingers or toes, become infected, it may or may not lift up from the nail bed. Pain may be felt and a foul odor, although, slight, may be present.

Basically, sunlight is not needed by fungi for it to propagate. The fungi responsible for the nail fungal infection are called dermatophytes. Since sunlight is not an important part of their life, these very small organisms can live in warm, moist or humid environments. Some common places are public showers and swimming pools. These microscopic fungi enter your skin, through cuts that you and I don’t even see or notice. They enter through your nails, if ever your nail has already lifted from your nail bed. But bear in mind, they only start to create problems if you nurture them by always exposing your nails to warmth and moisture.

By doing these, you just gave the fungi a very good place to start. In no time, the fungi will grow and spread throughout your nail.

For more information, kindly visit Nail Fungus Treatment. Must read: Nail Fungus Q&A and ZetaClear Nail Fungus Treatment Review.

Parenting college students is a never ending responsibility. While there are many areas in which parents can assist these emerging adults, it is in the arena of finances that parents can often make a huge difference in the lives of their children.

As you parent your college student consider what responsibility your child has in the pursuit of their college education. This responsibility should be discussed. After college graduation, who pays this debt? During the college years, will the student have any financial obligation? Parenting a college student is a golden opportunity to teach financial responsibility.

Financial lessons should begin before the child leaves for college. Middle School and High School is when the lessons should begin. Parents tend to worry about a student’s expenditures and this is an appropriate worry. If parents don’t teach financial lessons to their children while they are still living at home, disaster is waiting in the wings during the college years.

Lessons Taught in the Launching Years

Before leaving for college, parents need to discuss financial expectations with their college student, including the plan for how many years they expect to be in college. This affects the number of credits they will need to carry each semester/term. The usual is 15 credits. Students taking 9 credits are taking up to 6 years to get an undergraduate degree. So it is important to talk about this so there are no surprises.

Prior to that first semester in college, parents and children need to discuss money management and the budgeting of funds. What are the expectations? Will they have a parents credit card? Do they have their own credit card? I personally suggest that only debit cards be used. No credit cards.

The discussion of finances prevents any surprises on either side, and it encourages open communication. Money management is very difficult initially. A parent might consider a weekly allowance until the student learns to manage their money. If they get their allowance monthly, it is often spent the first week or two. The last 2 weeks is when the whining begins… So, it is imperative for parents to set boundaries and to provide clear guidance. It is nice to set the student up for success, too. Do everything you can think of to help the student be successful. Adapting to college and being responsible for yourself is a big transition.

In order for the college student to establish independence they need to learn to handle their finances proficiently. So much is learned during the college years that is not taught in a class room. College Students need to be reminded of what their goal is. The goal is a college degree, independence and a career that they enjoy.

Spending money foolishly increases their college debt and does nothing to build their resume. It only postpones financial freedom.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Parents must remind the college student to keep their eye on the prize, which is graduation. At times, 4 years, seems like an eternity but it flies by. It is so easy to forget that student loans are just that. Loans. Students need to be reminded of this and when possible they should limit their college debt.

Credit cards are fools gold. The credit card companies send college students credit cards constantly. My recommendation is to forbid the use of credit cards. Period. To a young person, there is no reality to a credit card. Adults have problems with credit cards so why would we expect a young adult to have a good handle on using a credit card. It is a very difficult concept to learn because you cannot see the debt. The student only sees the minimum payment.

A debit card has a monetary limit to withdrawals. If the student receives an allowance, the parent can make a deposit, and the student can make the withdrawal. Parents can consider placing some financial responsibility on the students by making them responsible for their spending money. If you ask them to pay for the books, I am afraid books will not be purchased because text books are over priced and hard to resell.

Somehow, parents need to teach their young that difficult lesson, “there are no free rides in life.” This applies to a college education. Especially during the summer, a student can be expected to earn their spending money for the following year. When they are responsible for earning their own spending money, there’s a good chance they will be more careful how they spend it.

When parenting a college student, one of the best lessons a parent can give their child is a sense of financial responsibility. It’s one of the best winning strategies for success in life.

Dr. Debi Yohn, http://CollegeWorks101.com, is an International Speaker with an elite private practice and a revolutionary parent mentor program. She has authored 4 books helping parents and their college students find success and joy in the college experience.

Parenting a college student is a skill built on understanding, adaptability and love. The most important component of course is love and respect. As a loving parent, you need to share mutual respect with your maturing young adult child.

We demonstrate respect by concentrating on what our children have to say, really listening to them and enjoying their company. Listening is an art form that many of us have abandoned, especially as parents. We listen to dribble from our friends but we often don’t allow our children the same courtesy. Don’t forget they like telling the stories, too, and you might learn something from just listening, instead of playing the hundred question game.

Your college student will love the attention, and will be more apt to want to spend time with you if they are relaxed and enjoying the conversation. A relationship is two sided. A relationship needs to be an enjoyable experience for both.

Parenting College Students - Less Instruction and Criticism, More Love and Camaraderie

As a parent of a college student, there is the tendency to worry about things such as binge drinking, late night parties and other potentially harmful behaviors. This is a real concern but it cannot be the subject of all conversations. The student will no longer hear your words.

I urge you to listen and choose different words than what you have been saying for years previous. They will not hear those same words they have heard time and time again. This is not particular to just college students. This is a rule in communication. If someone is not hearing you, choose different words. By this I mean different words and a different tone.

One of the main pitfalls that doom the parent-child relationship during the college years is the inability of parents to acknowledge what the student has achieved. This is due to parental concerns over their child’s safety. Again, everyone responds better to positives. Don’t forget to tell them everything they have done well over the past school year. Be sincere. This is not a good time for sarcasm. Kids have feelings and they have pride. You are best served to build on this.

In parenting college students, we would experience more success if we celebrated their successes and their interests. The student would want to share more time with the parent if they were not always in the “hot seat”. Would you want to spend more time with someone who constantly criticized you? Of course, you wouldn’t!

Parents should seize any opportunity to plan some activities to share with their college students, even if it is helping them with their laundry. Chances are good that your children want to spend more time with you if you demonstrate an appreciation of them and of their accomplishments. This really is a fun age. You are cheating yourself of an opportunity to enjoy this parenting experience if you do not take advantage of this.

Parenting College Students - Activities of Common Interest

So, what are some of these activities? Where can you start? First, parents need to show interest in the activities of their children and give them lots of opportunities to talk about what activities they are involved in and what they enjoy. Then, parents should visit the campus, particularly on occasions that are special to the student.

You might consider attending an athletic event on campus, or a concert featuring an artist of mutual interest. If your child has a particular activity that he or she enjoys, you should not hesitate to accommodate their interests. It is okay for you to expose yourself to something different. Haven’t you expected them to do the same? This is what parents do! A parents’ deeds will be remembered long after their words have faded. And you know what? The parent will have these memories, too.

Parenting college students, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and love, will set the ground work for a fantastic relationship in the future. Parents and their college age children begin to enjoy each other’s company on a different level. Do not waste this opportunity. You will not regret it.

Dr. Debi Yohn, http://CollegeWorks101.com, is an International Speaker with an elite private practice and a revolutionary parent mentor program. She has authored 4 books helping parents and their college students find success and joy in the college experience.