When a parent watches their child graduate from High School there is a sense of accomplishment. You helped your child get through a lot! You've watched them grow into young adults that are on the road to becoming successful members of society. What an amazing feeling. Then, another reality hits you. What are you going to do without them for 3 to 4 years? You just spent all that time helping them navigate the scary road that is childhood. And here they are at adulthood's doorstep. Now they don't need you? Wrong. They need you more than ever for the following reasons.
Within the first few months of college, your child will be meeting hundreds of new people. Most of these people will be from their dorms and come from all over the world and from all walks of life. It is important for your child to understand that they will not get along with all of these new people and it is "okay" to choose your friends and put space between the bad seeds. It is also vital to know who your kids are becoming closer too so you can monitor kids with issues. You don't want to cross lines with telling them who they can and can't talk to but helping them if an issue arises is encouraged.
They will be going to parties. Alcohol and drugs will be in their eyesight and it is important for them to understand do's and don'ts of alcohol.
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.
Your child will need you more that ever and for more than one reason. College is a stressful journey and they will need your guidance.
Make sure to give them space but also stay involved. They will be coming to you for advice before you know it.
Cheers and goodluck!
Steph
Within the first few months of college, your child will be meeting hundreds of new people. Most of these people will be from their dorms and come from all over the world and from all walks of life. It is important for your child to understand that they will not get along with all of these new people and it is "okay" to choose your friends and put space between the bad seeds. It is also vital to know who your kids are becoming closer too so you can monitor kids with issues. You don't want to cross lines with telling them who they can and can't talk to but helping them if an issue arises is encouraged.
They will be going to parties. Alcohol and drugs will be in their eyesight and it is important for them to understand do's and don'ts of alcohol.
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.
Your child will need you more that ever and for more than one reason. College is a stressful journey and they will need your guidance.
Make sure to give them space but also stay involved. They will be coming to you for advice before you know it.
Cheers and goodluck!
Steph
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Before you make a college care package read Stephanie Luckey's article on college gift basketsGreat Care Packages