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07 January 2015

What To Do When Your Child Goes Off To College

By Stephanie Luckey


Your child just graduated from High School. When you take stock of your emotions you realize that your happiness is also joined by a feeling of longing. They are going off to college in a few months and you only have very little time left with them before they leave the nest. Although they wont be relying on you as much for day to day dealings, they will still need you to help them grow, and keep them safe. Although they may be leaving your house with set rules, there are a number of ways to keep your child safe and sound. They will need your guidance more than ever for the following reasons.

Within the first few months of college, your child will be meeting hundreds of new people. Most of these people will be from their dorms and come from all over the world and from all walks of life. It is important for your child to understand that they will not get along with all of these new people and it is "okay" to choose your friends and put space between the bad seeds. It is also vital to know who your kids are becoming closer too so you can monitor kids with issues. You don't want to cross lines with telling them who they can and can't talk to but helping them if an issue arises is encouraged.

College kids will see alcohol and drugs. This is the truth. They will all be subject to peer pressure and it is important for them to understand the basics with alcohol consumption.

Dating and the opposite sex will be around. They will have to make tough decisions and be presented with issues they have never encountered.

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 need you more than ever. As someone to talk to. As a confidant. As a parent.

Stay involved but give them space. They will be coming to you when they need you. And they will need you!

Cheers and goodluck!

Steph




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