Parent Resources

This section is all about the parents.  We will be putting information here for you about how to best support your child during the college years, manage some difficulties that may come up, and how to take care of yourself in the process. 

First and foremost, make sure you and your child know the resources that are available to them.  You're reading this, so that's a great start! Don't stop here though.  Do some research and don't be afraid to ask questions.   Also, make sure your children are doing their research as well.  After all, part of the college experience is learning how to navigate systems and relationships. 

What Parents Can Experience

Whether this is your first child going off to college of if you've done it before, one thing is certain,  you can expect the unexpected.  

Below are some things you may experience as a parent of a college student.

Is it just me or is my child different? - The person who leaves for their freshman year of school may not be the same person who comes back.  They have gotten a taste of freedom that many of them may not have experienced before.  This can be difficult to navigate.  Check out our "Stress Management Tab" and click on Moving back home to find out more. 

He/She seems distant. - The child that you might have felt close to before, may start being more private or you may have some difficulty getting in touch with them as often as you like.  It's best to talk about this before school starts. What are your communication expectations of them?  Are they realistic?  What are their expectations?  Are they realistic?  Is there a compromise?

You need my help, I can do that for you. -  Wanting to rescue is a natural feeling.  It's hard sometimes to get out of the mode of doing things for your child. Before you jump into offering help, let them struggle a little bit.  College is a great time to let them use all the problem solving skills you taught them. If they really need help, of course, help but consider how you are helping.  This is where it is really important to think about balance and how often you will step in, or not step in or how you will step in if you do.  To think about what your limits and abilities are as well as the limits and abilities of your child. 

The house is so empty. - Parents may feel loss or "empty nest syndrome." So what do you do?  You might think about what you might say to your child when they are feeling homesick and follow that advice yourself.  It probably goes something like this; "It's important to get involved and do things you enjoy.  Give it a chance.  Be patient.  Join some groups or clubs that you're interested in."  Good advice works both ways.  It's just as important for parents to do the very things they want their kids to do, take care of yourself.  Do things you love.  Not sure what those things are because you've focused so much on your kids?  Now is your chance to explore!  Reconnect with friends, your partner.  Volunteer.  Travel.  Do some things that are just for you.  It helps. 

Articles and Links for Parents

Should My College Student Live Off Campus - Article found on collegeparents.org. 

25 Challenges for Students and Their Parents - Article from Macalester College website.

Good Mental Health Away From Home Starts Before College - Article from the Wall Street Journal, April 13, 2015

Some Advice For Parents Of New College Students - Taken from Forbes

College Parent Central - Website for parents with college students.  Great information about all sorts of topics from thinking about how your relationship with your child/children will change with college, to great gifts to give graduating seniors. 

How To Help Your College Student Stay Healthy Away From Home - Article from USA Today

Tax Planning for Parents of College Students - Article in the Journal of Accountancy on ways to help plan/pay for college and the things that come with it. 

Can Parents Help College Students Too Much? - Psychology Today article about how doing "too much" for your college student may be a disservice. 

13 Things Parents Should Do To Help Their College Bound Kid - Some ideas for parents

Supporting Your First Generation College Student - From a blog on Scholarship America

6 Tips for Parents of Future First Generation College Students - Taken from Collegecountdown.com.