TIGER ATHLETICS
Sending your children off to college can be difficult; suddenly they’re young adults, dealing with their own responsibilities without you to guide them through each step of the process. It can be hard for you, as the parent, to navigate showing support without negating their independence.
Here’s what you need to know about what they’re going through, and ways you can support them through their college career:
Making friends
College isn’t high school; students aren’t necessarily going to be sharing classes all day or going to lunch together. If your college student struggles to find friends, you can support them by encouraging them to get involved in extracurricular activities. This could mean joining a club, rushing in Greek life, or trying out for an athletic team.
Stressful classes
Dealing with challenging classes will be a common occurrence, especially as students progress into higher-level courses.
While you can’t do their homework for them, you can encourage them to reach out to their professors with questions, on-campus tutors, or the Student Success Center if they need help completing an assignment.
Chaotic schedule
No matter how organized your college student is, they’re likely to reach a point in their college career where their schedule feels overwhelming. If they don’t already have one, this may be a great time to give them a calendar or planner to help them keep track of everything.
Otherwise, if they’re struggling to find the time, the best way to support them may be to let them out of certain family obligations.
Dating/Relationships
Yes, you want them to focus on studying and getting good grades, but college is also a chance for your child to develop their independence and meet new people; this may include having romantic relationships.
Offering a positive environment to talk about relationships, while addressing what is and isn’t a healthy relationship, may be a great way to support your child.
Jobs in their college career
Parents don’t always financially assist their child through college, regardless of if it’s a lesson in financial responsibility or a lack of funds. This generally means that students find themselves looking for jobs.
While you may not be able to apply for jobs for them, you can help them navigate the job market. Or, help them get into contact with an on-campus career advisor who may help find work for the student.