2) Deliver and collect from shippers depot, or investigate cost of having a small removal firm deliver/pick up at each end and compare that cost to shippers charge. (or you could hire a van)

3) Air freight is charged by weight, and you may have a choice of tariffs depending on how quickly you need your property shipped. sea freight is charged by volume and is slow

4) Advertise (on message board) for partners to group up a load (and search for shippers who will offer a discount).

5) Investigate your insurance options: Self packed items may be excluded from breakage cover, and you should try to avoid sending fragile items - if possible take them with your hand luggage. Beware of 'exlusion', 'excess' and 'limits to liability' clauses in any policy you pay for. As always, there is no substitute for proper and (over protective) packing.
The cover you must have is for complete or partial loss or destruction, or insolvency of a carrier or storer, which may cause your property to be impounded.

You could contact 'British Association of Removers' at info@bar.co.uk or consult a good insurance broker - possibly your student specialist.

I have included some specialist small move shippers at www.student-movers-forum.com/overseas shipping You can read advice on small moves, packing and insurance, at www.student-movers-forum.com.

4) Parents need to tread very carefully in developing an appropriate amount of freedom and independence. Children have to learn to do things for themselves and to become confident. Parents need to instill a sense of responsibility for accepting consequences for poor decision making. Adolescents need to have some choices, but they must accepted outcomes of their choices. Parents can help their child achieve a balance of close connection and independence by setting boundaries, being specific with instructions, and giving some appropriate choices. These freedoms can be given gradually, increasing as adolescent shows success in decision making. There is a difference between guiding and controlling. The youngsters can sense difference and need to be allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.

5) Friendships become so important to adolescents. Parents need to guide youngsters into good friendships. Peer pressure or an unhealthy friendship can affect grades, behavior, and attitude. It is not unusual for youngsters to form groups or cliques which may have a focal point such as sports. Parents have reason to worry about in influence of friends and opportunities for poor decision making. However, parents still need to remain as number one influence in a child’s life. Parents can and should provide guidance about careers and moral values. If parent/child bond can remain strong, influence can have more impact. Parents need to get to know their child’s friends and parents of friend. Friendships have to be monitored continually and closely.

6) So what about choices in music, movies and media? The "Three M’s" can have a tremendous influence on a child. They can shape attitudes and values, and they are everywhere. If choices are good ones, then programs and movies can inform and entertain. Adolescents need some guidance in what is good and what is bad. Research has pointed out time and again that violence in programs and movies increases aggressive behavior and makes shocking events or behavior seem commonplace. In addition, number of hours of television watching needs to be monitored. Schoolwork needs to come first.

7) Parents need to be supportive of school and related school events by attending events and volunteering. Remember that most middle schools or junior high schools reflect a transitional stage from elementary to high school. The youngster will likely have several teachers and will move from class to class. It is a big change and can be stressful and overwhelming. Parents need to stay alert to which subjects are more difficult. At first sign of a problem, parents need to meet with teacher. Working to together like a team is best approach. To do that parents need to find out expectations about behavior, academics and homework.

Parenting is not easy, and adolescents can be a handful. Parents can survive their child’s difficult and challenging years and can even help child thrive. Remember that what works for one child does not necessarily work for others, but seven situations and circumstances are avenues toward reaching out to support and guide youngsters through an interesting period of their lives.

You can find acclaimed series “Helping Your Child Learn” at http://www.sbmag.org/Help_Your_Child_Learn

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