A child is one of the greatest gifts.
Before they are out of diapers, parents have already learned to anticipate their every need. As they grow, parents stop at nothing to give them the best life and protect them with their lives.
When that child is ready for college, most parents are not quite there yet. The thought of their child leaving home is heartbreaking, but it is a natural progression and the last step before they reach fully-fledged adulthood.
This transitional time can be difficult, but it is made easier if you follow these five tips below:
1. Set Goals
For most U.S. students, college is a time to experience a taste of freedom.
The goal is semi-autonomy, where they learn to make increasingly independent decisions about life. Some of these decisions will be more character-building than others.
Throughout their college career, your child will learn much about who they are and what they want to achieve in college and life. Many students want to experience the party side of college – and they will, but it is essential for your child to set goals right from the start.
2. Do Not Micromanage
As tempting as it will be, do not try to micromanage your child.
College is a time for learning and even if you know better, that is not the point. The point is for your child to make mistakes and learn from them – much like you did when you were their age.
Hovering over your child when they need to make big life decisions about courses, rentals, activities, and friends makes it seem like you do not trust them to make their own choices.
3. Admissions Help
The college admissions process is often a stressful time for both parents and students.
To make this time easier, help your child with time management and research, focusing on their interests and goals.
To make the process as stress-free as possible, contact college admissions experts like the team at Going Ivy for tips on how best to navigate the process.
Choose a team with a results-driven approach to help your child get into their dream college.
4. Communication Plan
It is natural to want to hear from your child as often as possible.
As a parent, you have spent years taking care of and protecting your baby, helping them grow into the young adult they are today. That love and dedication never stops.
Have a communication plan for your child to stay in touch. Daily updates are not likely but start with a regular weekly update. For example, implement a Sunday evening check-in, especially at the beginning of their college life.
5. Self-Reflection
College is a significant developmental moment for you and your child.
Set aside time to reflect on your lives up to this point. Think about the things you are grateful for – what it has taken to get to this moment, and the most important parenting lessons you have learned.
Take time to feel the emotions, and allow yourself the time to feel sad. This is a major life change for your family.
To End
Lastly, spend time talking to your child about this massive life event.
Share in their excitement and talk about their concerns and anxieties with them. The more you talk about it, the easier it will be to navigate once the time comes for them to leave.
