When your kid leaves home for college for the first time, it’s an exciting time, but it can also be an emotional experience for everyone. As independent as your teenager may be at this point, parents play an important part in helping college students transition to their new school and environment. They may feel homesick and need help navigating challenges, time management and adjusting to their new life.
These tips from mental health care provider Mindpath Health can help parents help their kids have a smooth transition to college.
- Have open communication - Talk to them about their feelings, concerns and anxieties and reassure them that it’s natural to feel nervous and excited.
- Set a routine - Encourage your child to slowly shift their sleep schedule to match class times and campus routines. Help them budget time for study hours, extracurricular activities, exercise and relaxing.
- Utilize campus resources - Help your student get familiar with academic advising, career development offices, tutoring centers and counseling services on campus.
- Respect their boundaries - This shows you trust your child’s judgment and helps build trust.
- Encourage self-expression - College is when kids can embrace their individuality and sense of identity. Try to welcome their perspectives to promote a positive self-image.
- Embrace flexibility - Remind them that life at college can be unpredictable and to be adaptable.
- Teach financial responsibility - Create a budget with your teen to help them make informed spending decisions and know their financial limitations.
- Prioritize self-care - Stress levels may be high thanks to academic demands, social pressures and the transition to college, and self-care, like hobbies, relaxing activities and journaling can help.
- Stay engaged after drop-off - Your kid will enjoy their new freedom, and you may not get to talk to them as often as you’d like, but it’s important to ask questions to show your support and encouragement. And remind them that you’re there anytime they need you.
Source: Yahoo Finance
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