Monday, October 27, 2014

How To Deal When Your Child Goes To College

By Stephanie Luckey


Most parents feel an overwhelming sense of sadness when their child moves out of their childhood home to go off to college. Empty nest syndrome. After years of having them depend on you they are leaving to go live their own lives. This statement can make any parent cringe. Will they make good choices? Of course they will. They had your guidance for those 18 years or so. They know right and wrong, but the road to adulthood can have some grey zones, and although they have moved out they will still need your guidance and love. Growing up is a scary thing for anyone and they absolutely need you more than ever for the following reasons.

Within the first few months of college, your child will be meeting hundreds of new people. Most of these people will be from their dorms and come from all over the world and from all walks of life. It is important for your child to understand that they will not get along with all of these new people and it is "okay" to choose your friends and put space between the bad seeds. It is also vital to know who your kids are becoming closer too so you can monitor kids with issues. You don't want to cross lines with telling them who they can and can't talk to but helping them if an issue arises is encouraged.

They will be going to parties. Alcohol and drugs will be in their eyesight and it is important for them to understand do's and don'ts of alcohol.

The opposite sex will show interest in them in a way they have never experienced. They will thus be subject to tough situations they are not used to.

School work will be a plenty. You child will have finals, papers, reading, and more stress than they have ever know. They will have social stress and school stress. This can weigh heavily on a person. They will be looking to you for guidance on how to cope and manage it all.

Your child will need you more that ever and for more than one reason. College is a stressful journey and they will need your guidance.

Stay involved but give them space. They will be coming to you when they need you. And they will need you!

Good luck!

Steph




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