Easing Your Student's Transition

The day your child leaves for college will likely bring a slew of emotions. You may wonder: Is he prepared? Will she fit in? Can my child make the grades? It’s natural to feel some amount of anxiety, but you can help ease your child’s transition to college-and calm your fears in the process. Joe Hamilton, a counselor from Truman’s counseling center, offers words of advice.

Before They Leave

Throughout high school, start gradually giving them more independence. Teach them basic skills, such as laundry, car maintenance, and money management. Hamilton has noticed, specifically, that students struggle to make appointments on their own. “Have them pick up the phone and make their own doctor’s appointments,” he suggests. The key is to be available and supportive, but to start allowing them to take care of their own health.

As They Go

Trust your student. They were accepted at Truman because of their hard work and dedication. Have faith that your student will remember the lessons you taught them. Encourage your student to get involved in organizations and activities on campus-academics are important, but finding a healthy balance is necessary for success.

Recognize a Crisis

Expect some homesickness and stress. If they call you crying and miserable, don’t immediately drive to campus and bring them home. Listen to them, and point them in the right direction. According to Hamilton, students often call parents when they’re in crisis,but this can mislead parents. “The parents believe their student is a complete mess, but we see them later and they’re perfectly fine,” says Hamilton.

Parents should recognize this, but look for signs of more serious issues: has your student stopped going to class? Is he isolating himself? Has her diet changed? These can be warning signs. Listen to your child and contact University Counseling Services for more advice.