Your child just graduated from High School. When you take stock of your emotions you realize that your happiness is also joined by a feeling of longing. They are going off to college in a few months and you only have very little time left with them before they leave the nest. Although they wont be relying on you as much for day to day dealings, they will still need you to help them grow, and keep them safe. Although they may be leaving your house with set rules, there are a number of ways to keep your child safe and sound. They will need your guidance more than ever for the following reasons.
College dorms have a large amount of people in a small space, and during the first few months everyone is desperate for friends. This can make a drama filled hormone raging space. It is good to stress to your child that they will not like everyone and that its okay to keep some space from some of the "bad seeds". When you get kids from all over the world, and from all walks of life there are bound to be some arguments. Know who your child is talking to!
College kids will see alcohol and drugs. This is the truth. They will all be subject to peer pressure and it is important for them to understand the basics with alcohol consumption.
They will be around the opposite sex. Fact. They will be subject to hard choices and things they have never seen before. They will need you to have conversations with them about these new experiences.
They will have stress- lots of it. They will have more school work than they have ever seen, and might have a hard time balancing the stress. Social stress and school stress can weigh heavily on a person. They will look to you for insight on how to manage this. You can share stories of how you deal or send them a couple dollars to go take a break.
They will need you more than ever. As someone to talk to. As a confidant. As a parent.
Whilst giving them space and freedom make sure they know you are always there for them. They will be taking you up on the offer!
Good luck and Cheers!
Steph
College dorms have a large amount of people in a small space, and during the first few months everyone is desperate for friends. This can make a drama filled hormone raging space. It is good to stress to your child that they will not like everyone and that its okay to keep some space from some of the "bad seeds". When you get kids from all over the world, and from all walks of life there are bound to be some arguments. Know who your child is talking to!
College kids will see alcohol and drugs. This is the truth. They will all be subject to peer pressure and it is important for them to understand the basics with alcohol consumption.
They will be around the opposite sex. Fact. They will be subject to hard choices and things they have never seen before. They will need you to have conversations with them about these new experiences.
They will have stress- lots of it. They will have more school work than they have ever seen, and might have a hard time balancing the stress. Social stress and school stress can weigh heavily on a person. They will look to you for insight on how to manage this. You can share stories of how you deal or send them a couple dollars to go take a break.
They will need you more than ever. As someone to talk to. As a confidant. As a parent.
Whilst giving them space and freedom make sure they know you are always there for them. They will be taking you up on the offer!
Good luck and Cheers!
Steph
About the Author:
Before you buy a gift basket check out Stephanie Luckey's article on gift ideas at Great College Gifts