I'm a former college teacher. I wish parents would teach their kids these 3 life skills before they're done with high school.

• I taught college for 9 years.

• Many of my students weren't prepared for life after high school.

• I wish parents taught their children how to take care of their health.

I taught for nine years. Most of the students were fresh out of high school. There was a pattern that emerged among my college freshman.

It wasn't the students' fault that they weren't prepared for life after high school. Many people confessed in my one-on-one talks that their parents had done a lot for them. College was a wake-up call because no one could save them.

My students weren't thankful for all the help. They were learning how unprepared they were for college life. The parents took care of their children. Parents dictated the outcome of conflicts. College doesn't have room for such things.

I want to share my experiences as a college teacher with other parents because I am a parent of four kids now.

When you step in for your child, it's a good idea to consider what you're doing. Before they accept their diplomas, they need to know some basics.

Teach your child to communicate — clearly and honestly

I had many students who would wait until the poop hit the fan or they would have a fight. College teachers don't have the time to help students who are struggling before they start to worry about their grades.

If your child is having a hard time with something, teach them how to communicate it to the adult in charge. They need to take responsibility for their part in the problem. It's important to be polite about it.

Teach your child to take charge of their health

You might have heard of the "freshman 15." During their first semester in college, a lot of freshman gain a lot of weight because they get a taste of freedom.

They don't have their parents to cook for them. Students can spiral between the meal card and alcohol.

Most of my students didn't use the university fitness center, which resulted in weight gain and more stress. During their first year of college, I had many students have anxiety meltdowns. Many of them asked for help from the mental-health-service center. I am grateful that I was able to help my students, but they should have been taught these lessons before they were sent to college.

Teach them how to manage money

Students accumulate debt quickly. Students don't always make the best financial decisions because they are too busy having fun, and the taste of college freedom can feel euphoria.

Help your child budget their money while they are at home. Help them keep track of their money and show them what to do if they start to spiral out of control. Before they get into debt, they should ask for help. When they realize how hard it is to earn, it's important to make sure they have opportunities to earn their own money.

College students will make mistakes. You help your children more by letting them play now instead of when society considers them grown ups.

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