Friday, November 14, 2014

How To Cope With Your Child Going Off 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.

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!

College kids will see alcohol and drugs. This is the truth. They will all be subject to peer pressure and it is important for them to understand the basics with 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.

Outside of the social stress they will have more school work than they have ever known. Stress will be a part of their life.

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 and Cheers!

Steph




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment