Let's be honest, there is no exact science in preparing your child for college. Concerned parents have diligently made recommendations on how to plan for college funding: Save early, plan ahead, reduce the burden of college loans when possible. Non-profit organizations have organized tips for high school student success: Get good grades, participate in activities, show commitment and diversity. Guidance counselors prepare Juniors for the burdonsome college application and scholarship processes: Creative essay ideas, apply to multiple schools, start applying for scholarships the summer before your Senior year. There are some things, as a single parent, I had not really considered. As I prepare to drive my oldest son from the warm sandy southern east coast beach community to his new college home in frigid Chicago, my perspective has changed. Making memories really matter! My family implemented some of these below and my heart aches a little for the ones I didn't think of until now. Either way, it is never to late to start.

1. Purchase every single Lifetouch school picture ever taken, even if it's the smallest package, and especially if they are horrible. Watching them grow over the years with the same blue background is endearing.

2. Every Christmas, purchase or make a special ornament for each kid. Once they have left the nest, they will be left behind as unique memories.

3. Before digital, there was 35mm film. With film, came printed photos. Locate and start scanning them now. Each and every one of them.

4. Make a digital photo yearbook of your child and another of your family EVERY year. Purchase an extra copy and save it for their college graduation.

5. Save all of those activities or special t-shirt to make a quilt with, it is the perfect gift to leave with your child on move in day.

6. Talk to your High School freshman about the 'college plan'. Be clear whether you plan to contribute to college and prepare your child to save during high school if they need to.

7. Before dropping your kid off at school, agree on a communication plan, and then practice it at home to make sure that everything works. I'm not suggesting you exercise helicopter parenting, give them scenarios and possible solutions in advance. Who can they call if they are short on money, have school issues, or are just stressed out.

8. Embrace flexibility. The summer before they leave you will realize that their frontal lobe is still not fully developed. They will disappoint you. They will make awful decisions. They are almost adults but still overcoming childhood.  Forgive them!

9. Remember that your college student knows that they are saying goodbye to the only way of life they have ever known. Plan family outings, but give ample time for your child to manage other emotional departures.

10. Pat yourself on the back. Your child's success is also your success. Make a plan that aligns with your own emotional needs for after the big 'move in'. Take a mini vacation, get a massage, call a cleaning service to get the cobwebs out of the house.