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As a student prepares to leave for college, it is common for parents to worry about their son or daughter being on their own for the first time. Once your student leaves for college, it can become one of the most challenging times as a parent.
Here are some tips on how to successfully parent your son or daughter as they prepare to leave for college:
- Stay in touch, but do not overwhelm.
Allow your student to have the time and space necessary to adjust and immerse themselves in college life. Make sure that he or she knows you are always there when need-be. Check in every so often and schedule your visits ahead of time. - Talk about finances before your student leaves for school.
Every family handles college finances differently, but no matter who is paying for books and meals it helps to talk budget with your student before they are on their own on campus. Encourage them to download a budget app to help them track their spending.
- Do not pressure students to come home.
If he or she wants to come home frequently on the weekends, encourage that they stay on campus instead. Students who stay on campus for classes only and return home each weekend tend to enjoy college less because they are not as tied to the campus community. Encourage your son or daughter to join a campus club or activity to get to know some other students.
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Send a care-package.Consider creating a care-package that your college student can enjoy with others. Giftcards, movies, a long phone charger, holiday decor, a diffuser, snacks and games are a few items you could include.