College Kids Home for the Holidays? Send Them Back With More Than Leftovers
They’re home, they’re hungry, and they’ve already started raiding the fridge. You’ve missed them — the noise, the laundry, the energy. But between the mashed potatoes and the marathon catch-ups, there’s one small, meaningful thing you can do for your now–adult kids before they head back to campus.
No, it’s not a care package or a carload of leftovers (though those are always appreciated). It’s introducing them to the two most important documents every college student should have once they turn 18:
Power of Attorney (POA) — so you can help manage their finances if something unexpected happens.
Health Care Directive — so you can make medical decisions on their behalf if they can’t.
It’s the kind of adult step that sounds serious, but it’s really just practical love in action.
“They’ll always be your kids — but once they turn 18, the law calls them adults.”
Why It Matters
At 18, your child is legally responsible for their own financial and medical decisions — even if they’re still on your insurance plan or living at home half the year. That means if there’s a medical emergency, or if something happens while they’re away at school, you might not automatically have the right to access information or step in to help.
According to a 2023 survey, nearly 85% of college students don’t have basic estate planning documents like a Power of Attorney or Health Care Directive. It’s not because they don’t care — it’s because no one ever told them they should.
“Ever thought about what your kids might need now that they’re legally adults?”
Having these two simple documents in place can make an enormous difference — both for your peace of mind and for their protection.
What These Documents Do
Power of Attorney (POA): This document lets your child choose someone (usually you) to make financial decisions on their behalf. It can cover everything from paying tuition and managing bank accounts to signing forms if they’re abroad or in the hospital.
Health Care Directive: This gives you the ability to make medical decisions if your child is unable to. It also allows them to share their preferences around medical care — so their wishes are clear, and you don’t have to make those choices in the dark.
It’s the kind of preparation you hope you’ll never need — but if you do, you’ll be grateful it’s there.
How to Talk About It
Sure, your college student might roll their eyes. They might say something like, “Mom, I don’t want to think about that right now.” But let’s be honest — you’ve convinced them to do harder things. (Remember that summer they refused sunscreen? Or that time you made them register for classes on time?)
This conversation isn’t about doom and gloom; it’s about empowerment. It’s about teaching them how to take care of themselves — and showing them that part of growing up is protecting the life they’re building.
“I know you’re legally an adult now, but I still want to be there for you when it matters most.”
How to Get It Done (Without the Hassle)
Here’s the good news: estate planning for your college student doesn’t have to mean a stack of paperwork or an expensive attorney.
With GoodTrust, you can effortlessly walk them through how to create both a Power of Attorney and a Health Care Directive online. Our guided tools make it simple to fill out, customize, and securely store everything digitally — all in one place.
You can even add Trusted Contacts so they know exactly who can access what, when it’s needed.
It’s an easy, one-afternoon project that protects your child in a very real way — and gives you both peace of mind long after the holidays end.
Start the Habit Early
Teaching your kids about estate planning now — while they’re young and just stepping into independence — gives them a foundation for life. It normalizes the idea that planning ahead isn’t morbid; it’s smart.
After all, no one wants to be one of the two-thirds of Americans who don’t have a will or basic estate plan in place.
You’re not just protecting them today — you’re teaching them how to protect their future selves.
So go ahead — wrap up those leftovers, hand them some extra cookies for the road, and maybe slip a little life advice in there, too:
“I made you a Power of Attorney. You’ll thank me later.”
Create a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive with GoodTrust today — because taking care of your kids shouldn’t stop at 18.