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.
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 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.
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!
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 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.
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!
Steph
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Before you send a college care package check out Stephanie Luckey's article on gift ideas at Great College Gifts
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