Tips for Parents - Fall Semester

HELPFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

Tips to consider during the Fall (August – December) semester:

• Allow your freshman to establish their independence.  Research says that students who remain on campus for the first 10 weeks of school (without going home for a visit) experience greater success in college.
• Acknowledge the change and the separation that occurs.
• Send your student care packages at this time of year, for example little things that remind them of home. It can be the foods that they. Also send things during holidays, mid-terms, or during final exams.
• Discuss time management with your student and expectations of home responsibilities. Be aware that the last month of each semester/quarter will be very tough for your Scholar and that they may need some space and support.
• Encourage your student to set goals for themselves during the term (i.e., study plans, meeting with professors, and going to library 3 x/week).
• Spend time with other people you care about. You may reach out to the parents of other student for support – people going through what you are going through.
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress (i.e., exercise) for both you and your student.
• Homesickness – don’t ask them if they are (power of suggestion), but support them if they admit that it has been difficult. Allow your student to initiate the communication about it.
• Set up a specific time to speak with your student by phone each week.
• Allow your student to set the agendas for your phone calls.  It allows them to express themselves and their feelings about college.
• Allow your freshman to establish their independence.  Research says that students who remain on campus for the first 10 weeks of school (without going home for a visit) experience greater success in college.