Most parents feel an overwhelming sense of sadness when their child moves out of their childhood home to go off to college. Empty nest syndrome. After years of having them depend on you they are leaving to go live their own lives. This statement can make any parent cringe. Will they make good choices? Of course they will. They had your guidance for those 18 years or so. They know right and wrong, but the road to adulthood can have some grey zones, and although they have moved out they will still need your guidance and love. Growing up is a scary thing for anyone and they absolutely need you more than ever for the following reasons.
They will be meeting a large amount of people in a short amount of time. College dorm rooms are a melting pot of many different personalities in a small space. They will not get along with some of these personalities, and may have a difficult time deciding who is worth their time. Most students will be desperate for friends the first few months of college and thus some bad seeds may attach themselves to your child. It's good to know who they are talking to and getting to know the best so you can help if drama emerges.
They will be around alcohol and drugs. Even if your child is "perfect" they WILL be around this and it is important to know the basics rules of alcohol consumption.
Dating and the opposite sex will be around. They will have to make tough decisions and be presented with issues they have never encountered.
School work will be a plenty. You child will have finals, papers, reading, and more stress than they have ever know. They will have social stress and school stress. This can weigh heavily on a person. They will be looking to you for guidance on how to cope and manage it all.
They will need you more than ever. As someone to talk to. As a confidant. As a parent.
Make sure to give them space but also stay involved. They will be coming to you for advice before you know it.
Good luck and Cheers!
Steph
They will be meeting a large amount of people in a short amount of time. College dorm rooms are a melting pot of many different personalities in a small space. They will not get along with some of these personalities, and may have a difficult time deciding who is worth their time. Most students will be desperate for friends the first few months of college and thus some bad seeds may attach themselves to your child. It's good to know who they are talking to and getting to know the best so you can help if drama emerges.
They will be around alcohol and drugs. Even if your child is "perfect" they WILL be around this and it is important to know the basics rules of alcohol consumption.
Dating and the opposite sex will be around. They will have to make tough decisions and be presented with issues they have never encountered.
School work will be a plenty. You child will have finals, papers, reading, and more stress than they have ever know. They will have social stress and school stress. This can weigh heavily on a person. They will be looking to you for guidance on how to cope and manage it all.
They will need you more than ever. As someone to talk to. As a confidant. As a parent.
Make sure to give them space but also stay involved. They will be coming to you for advice before you know it.
Good luck and Cheers!
Steph
About the Author:
Before you send a college care package make sure you read Stephanie Luckey's article on College Life.