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.
College dorms have a large amount of people in a small space, and during the first few months everyone is desperate for friends. This can make a drama filled hormone raging space. It is good to stress to your child that they will not like everyone and that its okay to keep some space from some of the "bad seeds". When you get kids from all over the world, and from all walks of life there are bound to be some arguments. Know who your child is talking to!
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.
Make sure to give them space but also stay involved. They will be coming to you for advice before you know it.
Good luck and Cheers!
Steph
College dorms have a large amount of people in a small space, and during the first few months everyone is desperate for friends. This can make a drama filled hormone raging space. It is good to stress to your child that they will not like everyone and that its okay to keep some space from some of the "bad seeds". When you get kids from all over the world, and from all walks of life there are bound to be some arguments. Know who your child is talking to!
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.
Make sure to give them space but also stay involved. They will be coming to you for advice before you know it.
Good luck and Cheers!
Steph
About the Author:
Before you send a care package, make sure you read Stephanie Luckey's article on care packages at College gift ideas.
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