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.
They will be meeting a large amount of people in a short amount of time. College dorm rooms are a melting pot of many different personalities in a small space. They will not get along with some of these personalities, and may have a difficult time deciding who is worth their time. Most students will be desperate for friends the first few months of college and thus some bad seeds may attach themselves to your child. It's good to know who they are talking to and getting to know the best so you can help if drama emerges.
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.
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.
They will have stress- lots of it. They will have more school work than they have ever seen, and might have a hard time balancing the stress. Social stress and school stress can weigh heavily on a person. They will look to you for insight on how to manage this. You can share stories of how you deal or send them a couple dollars to go take a break.
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.
Whilst giving them space and freedom make sure they know you are always there for them. They will be taking you up on the offer!
Good luck!
Steph
They will be meeting a large amount of people in a short amount of time. College dorm rooms are a melting pot of many different personalities in a small space. They will not get along with some of these personalities, and may have a difficult time deciding who is worth their time. Most students will be desperate for friends the first few months of college and thus some bad seeds may attach themselves to your child. It's good to know who they are talking to and getting to know the best so you can help if drama emerges.
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.
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.
They will have stress- lots of it. They will have more school work than they have ever seen, and might have a hard time balancing the stress. Social stress and school stress can weigh heavily on a person. They will look to you for insight on how to manage this. You can share stories of how you deal or send them a couple dollars to go take a break.
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.
Whilst giving them space and freedom make sure they know you are always there for them. They will be taking you up on the offer!
Good luck!
Steph
About the Author:
Before you make a college care package make sure you read Stephanie Luckey's article on College Life.
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