The days of high school will soon be a distant memory as your child prepares to leave the nest and venture out on their own for the first time as a college freshman. Making sure they know what to expect once they step foot on campus is the biggest challenge parents face as they get ready to send their child off to college. Here are some tips to start your college student off on the right foot.
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2. The days of high school will soon be a distant memory as your
child prepares to leave the nest and venture out on their own
for the first time as a college freshman. Making sure they
know what to expect once they step foot on campus is the
biggest challenge parents face as they get ready to send their
child off to college. Here are some tips to start your college
student off on the right foot.
3. Talk About
Expectations
College is different from high school. The
coursework is often challenging and more
intense, which can leave some
unsuspecting students feeling
overwhelmed by the end of the first
semester. Talk to your child about what
they should expect in terms of
homework, tests, and general
coursework. Advise them to keep in
contact with their professors and to seek
help in a timely manner if they feel they’re
struggling with a particular subject.
4. Parents are their child’s first teacher. That
responsibility doesn’t end when they head
off to college.
While you’re no longer waking them up for
school and packing their lunches, you are
responsible for ensuring they are prepared
for college emotionally. Share your own
college experience with them, including
your failures. Knowing that their parents
messed up a few times and lived to tell the
tale will take some of the burden off of
them to be perfect.
Share Your
Experiences
5. Teach Them
Time Management
Managing their time is a big hurdle for new
college students to overcome. They’re used
to their parents taking care of almost
everything and keeping them on task, but
being on their own means a majority of the
responsibility falls on them. Help them set
alarms and fill out a calendar or planner to
keep their schedule in line. Share with them
any other time-management tips you may
have as well. If they really seem to struggle
with the task of effectively managing their
time, encourage them to connect with
relevant campus staff, such as those
working in the tutoring center, for
additional aid.
6. Clearly communicate with them
your expectations when it comes to
their behavior and academics, but also
let them know that they’re human and
it’s okay to mess up sometimes. Not
only is it okay, it’s expected. Remind
them that making mistakes is part of
growing up and learning how to be a
responsible adult.
Let Them Know
Mistakes Are Okay
