your back to school supplies list
This month marks 15 years since I was dropped off at the University of Arkansas for my freshman year. It is one of the more vivid memories I have from boyhood to adulthood. As I watched my parents and brother pull away, I turned to walk into my dorm, Futrall, alone.
Now, all these years later, as I randomly drive through campus for a meeting or drop my boys off at school, I see friends and strangers living that same moment. Some sending their little ones off to preschool like myself, elementary school, or others hugging their college student goodbye.
Back-to-school season looks different for everyone, but it’s always a season of preparation. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes or unloading a moving van, it’s a good time to get organized, both for the school year and for your family’s future.
Dropping off and picking up (0-18)
From personal experience, if your kids are in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, you’re probably thinking about:
Beginning new routines.
Lining up emergency contacts.
Packing lunches.
Making sure everyone knows class schedule and classroom locations.
While your family may be actively organizing the school-year details, it also may be a good time to make sure your family’s estate plan is organized:
Guardianship choices for minor children are current and reflect your wishes.
Emergency contacts have legal authority if needed (temporary guardianship agreements are a great option). I will send you a free template to use if you need one!
Beneficiary designations on accounts and policies are up to date.
Healthcare and financial agents (i.e. decision makers) are up to date.
Only dropping off and not picking up (+18)
Unfortunately (or fortunately for some) you may be like me 15 years ago and dropping off with no plan or intention to pickup. When your child turns 18, about the time I started college, the law sees them differently. They’re now an adult. That’s exciting but it also means they’re no longer under your wing. As a parent you lose the automatic right to access their medical, financial, and educational information.
Essential documents for your young adult:
HIPAA Release Authorization – Lets healthcare providers share medical info with you.
Healthcare Power of Attorney – Names someone to make medical decisions if they cannot.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney – Lets a trusted person manage finances if they’re incapacitated.
FERPA Waiver – Grants access to academic and certain campus health records.
Will or Beneficiary Designations – Ensures belongings and accounts go to chosen recipients.
Even though you child may be a “broke college student” with little to no assets, they still have choices.
A Season for Peace of Mind
Whether you’re sending a middle schooler to the bus stop or a freshman to the dorms, this season is a reminder: our role as parents may change, but our desire to protect our kids never does.