Your student is entering college and is experiencing increased responsibility, which is important in learning effective time management skills. This includes organizing his or her schedule to incorporate:
- Personal commitments.
- Social engagements;
- Studying; and
- Work.
As a family member you can expect to see dramatic changes as your student becomes more confident and competent in their new learning environment. You might also be experiencing a period of change while celebrating your student's transition to college and adulthood.
Building an adult relationship with your student requires:
- Communication;
- An open mind;
- Time; and
- Trust.
While your student is becoming increasingly responsible for making his or her own choices and being accountable for their decisions, it is important for you to be supportive by avoiding the urge to problem-solve difficult situations and choices. Allowing your student to explore his or her new environment and succeed or fail is essential to their development.
Students are:
- Excited about the future;
- Saying goodbye to friends and wondering about those relationships; and
- Nervous about academic or social uncertainties.
You can support them by:
- Becoming aware of important dates and offering friendly reminders;
- Sharing his or her fears, expectations and boundaries and listening;
- Offering more space for independence;
- Learning about services available on campus; and
- Offering information when it is requested by your student.
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