So, your child is about to head off to college. If they’re like the majority of people that go, they’ll be on their own for the first time. This can be a scary prospect for a parent, and your first urge is going to be to help them however possible. From decorating their dorm to keeping them sane, you can still be there for them—even if they’re far away. To give you some support, here’s how to help your child in their first year of college.
Be Proactive About Addressing Issues
Ideally, you’ll provide support so that they can meet their problems head-on. This means talking to your child about the problems and challenges they might face in their first year. Don’t wait until they’re already dealing with a problem; try and get ahead of these issues, be they social, academic, or physical, before they find themselves lost on what to do.
Be Supportive Without Solving Problems For Them
One of the key things your child will learn in college is how to deal with the pressures of life as they grow up. This can be difficult for many people, and they might turn to you for help. Remember that it is no longer your job to fix their problems for them; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t still support them. Let them come to you with their problems and offer advice when they ask, but don’t step in unless it’s a dire situation.
Stay in Touch
One of the best ways you can help your child in their first year of college is to simply stay in touch with them. Let them know that you want them to thrive, but you’ll always be there when they need to talk about something. College life can get overwhelming and sometimes feel isolating, so make sure they know they always have someone in their corner rooting for them.
Remind Them of Their Accomplishments
The amount of pressure a regular college student feels can be staggering and overwhelming at times. One of your jobs as a parent is to not let them fall into despair when things don’t go their way. Remind them that their accomplishments are just as important and defining as their failures. Just getting into college at all is an accomplishment worthy of being proud of; don’t let them forget that.
