Protecting Your Kids – Kindergarten to College

Labor day marks the end of summer, and back to school for the kiddos. With both daughters now in high school, David watched with pride (and trepidation) as they left together for their first day – his oldest in the driver’s seat!

As parents, we’ll do anything and everything to protect our children. When they’re young, we teach about hot stove tops. Later on it’s about halter tops. And as they grown, we can’t avoid talking about sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.

But while keeping them safe is a priority, it’s important that they feel safe, too. As parents, it’s our job to think about the unthinkable. Our kids need to know that you’ve taken care of contingencies. There’s no need to talk about ‘dying’ when they’re too young to handle it, but it is important to tell them who they can turn to when you’re away or get sick. If the worst were to happen you need to name the right people to be in charge, and ensure their ongoing protection – no matter what.

Estate planning is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for those of us with kids. If you don’t have an estate plan, you are leaving your children at risk.

Estate planning isn’t so hard when you have proper guidance.

What if your little ones aren’t so little anymore? In doing your own estate plan, you should ask your adult children if they have their own affairs in order. After all, when they’re over 18, you no longer have access to their medical information. Nor do you have the right to make medical decisions for them. Encourage your 18-and-up children to sign a Medical Release and Power of Attorney, allowing you to protect and care for them in an emergency.

As you send your kids back to school this year, let’s make sure your plan includes comprehensive protection. We want to help you protect your children in every possible way.