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!
They will be around alcohol and drugs. Even if your child is "perfect" they WILL be around this and it is important to know the basics rules of 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.
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.
They will be going through a lot the next few years and will look to you for guidance through it all. They need you more than ever.
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
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!
They will be around alcohol and drugs. Even if your child is "perfect" they WILL be around this and it is important to know the basics rules of 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.
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.
They will be going through a lot the next few years and will look to you for guidance through it all. They need you more than ever.
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:
Before you make a college care pakcage make sure you read Steph Luckey's article on Great Gifts!
