Parenting a College Student

One of the greatest challenges parents and guardians face is how to support their children once they enter college.

How can you help? Here are some suggestions from veteran parents:

• Listen to your student and provide supportive encouragement (this usually is accepted better than unsolicited advice)
• Encourage self-reliance (but be a safety-net when things are really rough)
• Praise accomplishments soundly and attempts enthusiastically
• Keep them informed about life back home and family events
• Encourage active involvement with on-campus activities and groups
• Stay connected — email of Facebook may work better than phone calls in many instances. By the same token, try to lessen over-reliance by decreasing contact when over-dependency may be an issue
• Discuss your expectations for your student before they start college and continue the conversation as they progress — grades are posted to their MyVU at midterms and after final exams.
• Help your student connect to resources when needed. They may need urging and assistance locating and accessing counseling, advising, and special services
• Provide balance — students may not realize that while their transition may be uncomfortable, it is temporary and they will likely flourish with time

As you know, your son or daughter is facing the challenges of a new chapter of life, but don’t forget, so are you. Expect that it might be a little rough for you to adjust to the changes as well. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions that come when a child goes to college. Maybe now is the time to re-connect with friends, interests, hobbies, maybe even your spouse or partner.