Are you about to send your child to college? Do you want to help them prepare for this transition? Learn 5 ways parents can provide support to ensure their college students’ success.
As the moment of watching your child head off to college gets closer, it is more than understandable that you feel your concern closing in with it. As much as you are proud that they’re starting this new chapter full of possibilities, growth, and independence, you might also be worried about how they’ll adjust to college life and handle the challenges ahead.
While this is the time to take a few steps back and give them space to venture in their journey towards adulthood, your support as a parent still plays a crucial role in their success. However, knowing how you can support your college student’s success, without depriving them of making their own decisions and figuring out things for themselves, is definitely not an easy task for parents.
Learn how you can help your college student navigate this transition and achieve a fulfilling and positive college experience, whether they are a freshman or a senior.
5 Ways Parents Can Support Their College Students’ Success
1. Stay Connected…but don’t hover
It is perfectly normal for parents to worry about their college students’ success, safety, and well-being, especially if it is their first time away from home. However, finding a healthy balance between supporting them when they need it and smothering them with calls or texts can be hard.
Make sure they know you’re there to talk about anything, but also give them enough space for them to come to you. While it is important to stay connected and present in their lives, it is also important to let them fully experience this new exciting time.
Special tip: Are you feeling upset because they don’t pick up each time you call or don’t call you as much as you wanted? Have an honest conversation about it and decide together how often and on which days to call. By respecting their boundaries, you’re not only showing them you care but also that you trust them.
2. Give them space to fail
We want to protect our children as much as we possibly can. Whenever we detect they’re struggling, it can be difficult to bypass our basic instinct to step in and solve everything for them. But, each time we sweep in and make their problems go away, we are also taking away the opportunity for them to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences.
They’re going to make mistakes along the way, but those mistakes are crucial for them to be more mindful of the consequences of their actions and make better decisions in the future. By giving them space to fail, you are nurturing their independence, self-confidence, and resilience.
3. Talk about budget and money management
College life often comes with newfound financial responsibilities, so it’s helpful to talk about money before your college student leaves for campus.
You can encourage them to create a budget that outlines income, expenses, and savings goals. And also, reflect upon the difference between needs and wants, and the benefits of saving for what can become a priority in the long run.
Guiding them through these financial matters and having open conversations about it will help them develop money management skills and build a stronger financial future.
4. Watch out for warning signs
The transition to college can be overwhelming and a trigger for mental health issues. In fact, studies show that 1 in 3 college students experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While these symptoms can look different for each person, it’s important to pay attention to changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance.
Signs of depression and anxiety in college students:
- Isolation and withdrawal from social activities;
- Decline in academic performance;
- Changes in sleep patterns and appetite;
- Persistent sadness or increased irritability;
- Expressions of hopelessness or of feeling overwhelmed;
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems, muscle aches, or chest pain.
Learning more about common warning signs of depression and anxiety in college students can help parents identify that their kids are struggling and help them find support.
5. Encourage them to ask for help
While talking about mental health is more frequent nowadays, there’s still a stigma around seeking help. That’s why maintaining a positive view of therapy for college students is crucial to help destigmatize mental health concerns and create a safe environment for them to open up about their struggles.
If you notice any warning signs, approach your college student with empathy and understanding. Have an open and non-judgmental conversation about how they’re feeling and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Emphasize that seeking professional help is a proactive and courageous step towards self-improvement and growth.
By fostering a supportive attitude towards seeking support you’re ultimately contributing to their college student’s success and overall well-being.
Seeking Support for College Students’ Success in Baltimore, MD
How parents support college students’ success goes far beyond academic achievements; it involves nurturing their well-being and personal growth.
While it can be difficult to navigate between involvement and fostering independence, there’s no doubt about the importance of a parent’s unwavering support for their college students’ success. So, if you feel your kid is struggling or recognize any warning signs of depression or anxiety, feel free to reach out to us with your doubts and concerns. We are here to help!
Seeking support can be hard, especially if a student feels they can easily run into a classmate or a professor. That is why looking for a therapist off-campus can be a way to help your college student feel more comfortable and willing to take that step. Our therapists at New Connections are experienced in helping college students adjust during this transition and supporting their success throughout college and beyond!
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