It seems like it was just yesterday when you were sending off your child on their way to kindergarten. Now, you find yourself sitting at the kitchen table discussing GPA and ACT scores with them as you fill out college applications, all while wondering where all the time has gone. More than that, you worry if they are really prepared for the world of higher education.

You are not alone in your concern, and it is a valid one.

According to collegeatlas.org, 70 percent of Americans will study at a four-year college, but less than two-thirds will graduate. Of those who don't graduate, 30 percent drop out after their first year. College can be a scary place if you are not ready — and being prepared doesn't just include grades.

Southern Utah University has partnered with KSL.com to bring you five ways you may be setting up your child for failure at college.

1. Cooking

Most college freshmen have some type of meal plan at the cafeteria or communal kitchen within their dorm, but at some time in your child's college years, they will need to cook on their own — and more than just ramen noodles and toast.

To fix this, take the time to cook and eat together before your child leaves. Plan out five meals they must shop for and prepare. The time spent together is a good way to strengthen your relationship.

2. Living with roommates

You've thought about college housing and you may even have looked into off-campus apartments, but have you given thought to the possibility that your child will be living with strangers? And while you don't wish it, you have the feeling personalities and backgrounds may clash.

Making your child aware of this possibility and teaching them how to effectively resolve conflicts courteously will make college life so much more enjoyable and could alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress.

3. Cleaning

You may have thought you were doing your child a favor by always making sure they had clean clothes folded nicely in the drawers, a nicely made bed and a tidy room awaiting their arrival home. But, when you go to visit and can't see the floor in their dorm room and their clothes smell less than desirable, you'll be wishing you weren't such a "nice parent."

Sure, you may have to let go of having a spotless house for a little while and your child may need to go to school with a pair of dirty jeans before learning how to clean and take care of their own stuff.

Be assured, however, that your child (and their roommates) will thank you later.

4. Finances

It's no secret that college is expensive. Southern Utah University elementary education major Chelsey Randall knows that firsthand.

"It is difficult to work many hours at a job because of the time and effort that go into studying," Randall wrote in an article. "Tuition, fees, books and housing nearly empty my pockets and bank accounts. By the time that these important things are paid off, there is little money left to pay for other essential things like food, gas and recreational activities."

Randall wrote about the many businesses in Cedar City that offer discounts to students to help ease the burden.

Teach your child to manage their money wisely by sticking to a budget to determine needs versus wants, avoid unnecessary debt and to claim the (official) title "poor college student" as leverage to save a few bucks here and there.

5. Car issues

Whether or not you're sending your child to school with a car, it is always a good thing to teach your child some car basics, like how to change a tire, check the oil and check the gauges.

Having these skills on those long trips back home for the holidays, whether behind the wheel or riding shotgun, your child will have a greater likelihood of making it home safely.

You know your child can handle the classes. Help them handle the often overlooked aspects of college life. Teach them while they're still at home and you'll lead them on their way to success as an adult.

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