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Preparing your child for adult responsibility is probably not something you've just started because of college. As a parent, you've been -- hopefully -- doing this their whole life. But now the time has come for your son or daughter to strike out on their own. Who wouldn't be worried that all those lessons on how to make good choices in life will be ignored by your fledgling college student?

But the truth is, "this is an important time to let go," says Kate Kelly, parent of a college student and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Parenting a Teenager (MacMillan, 1999, $16.95). Of course, that doesn't mean your parenting tasks have come to an end. There are a few last steps you can take while your teen is a senior in high school that will help prepare them to be a responsible adult:

Start by letting your teen sample college freedom while still under your roof, advises Kelly. You can do this by dropping his or her curfew during senior year of high school.

Be generous with praise. When-ever your son/daughter makes a responsible decision, such as staying in on a Friday night because s/he has an exam to study for, show your approval, say Kelly.

Walk the walk. If you're worried about your kid drinking in college, talk seriously and honestly about your feelings on alcohol and drugs, advises Kelly. And, practice what you preach: You many want to pass on that glass of wine at a family outing before getting behind the wheel.

Make contact during their first semester. One college graduate, Jenyng Wu from Evangel University (Springfield, MO) advises you to call your son or daughter once a week in the beginning. But, be sure to keep a thick-skin if they blow you off. "At some point, we just don't need our parents there all the time," says Jenyng. "My mother allowed me to make my own mistakes, but at the same time, she was always ready and waiting to be my safety net should I need her."

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