Transition Tips for Parents and Family

A Few Pointers for Maintaining Communication:

Expect some changes

These years provide an important opportunity for growth for your student and for your relationship with the person your student is becoming.  A college student may be trying out different looks, identities, attitudes, and aspirations.  Show interest in your student’s new experiences.  Don’t be surprised if your student who came here intent on majoring in one area changes majors in a couple of quarters.

Resist the urge to solve problems for your student

You can ultimately be most helpful by listening to their concerns and guiding them through their own problem-solving process.  It’s more important for them to develop their ability to cope with problems than to depend on your wisdom and advice.  Create space in conversations for students to discuss their rationale for decisions they have made.  Wait to offer advice until they ask for it.

Support their independent decisions

...without assuming it means they don’t want or need you.  Keep in touch—email is usually a convenient way to communicate.  However, expect that students may not write or call as often as you would like.  Students usually appreciate little gifts or cards in the old-fashioned mail as well.  Before your student comes to college, talk about the means of communication that they prefer for keeping in touch with family.

Listen, really listen

Show that you are paying attention and respond to what they are saying by reflecting their feelings and asking open-ended questions.

Pay attention to what the student is doing right

..rather than areas where they are not doing well.  Expect that grades for freshmen may be lower than they were in high school.  Ask your student what they are learning in classes rather than emphasizing grades as the sole indicator of a successful freshman year.

Avoid blaming and criticizing

Guide them through the process of reflecting on their problem or concern.  Think of yourself as coaching them in an important life and learning experience.  “Gee, that must have been disappointing to have failed the chemistry test.  Chemistry was one of your favorite classes in high school.  It must be much harder in college.  What do you think you will do to feel more prepared for the next test? (pause)  I wonder if the Tutorial Center could be of help? (pause)  Do you see any way we could be of help to you now?” (adapted from: Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money, by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller)

Don’t dismiss students’ concerns

...by telling them, “These are the best years of your life.”  These years can be complicated and confusing.  Showing empathy for their struggles and times of disappointment can be a powerful support to a student.

Visit your student at Western

Even if your student comes home often, making a trip to see your student in their college environment can mean a lot.  It’s usually fun for students to show their families around their campus.  Keep in mind that they will need to get back to their lives (i.e., study, friends, activities) so make visits friendly and not lengthy.

Encourage your student to take advantage of services and resources

There are many professionals here whose job it is to help students cope with and learn from the various challenges of being a college student.  Keep in mind that we treat students as adults and cannot share information with you about your student without their permission.

When students come home for winter or summer break, plan for some adjustments for everyone

Students will be accustomed to a different schedule, a different social life, and more freedom to come and go.  Be clear about your expectations, but realize that things won’t go back to the way they were before the student left for college.  If they speak of getting back “home” to Western, don’t take it personally.  It probably means they have been successful in creating a life for themselves here that gives them identity, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Keep a sense of humor and hope

Students will be accustomed to a different schedule, a different social life, and more freedom to come and go.  Be clear about your expectations, but realize that things won’t go back to the way they were before the student left for college.  If they speak of getting back “home” to Western, don’t take it personally.  It probably means they have been successful in creating a life for themselves here that gives them identity, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Resources

Recommended Readings

College of the Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What to Do About It, by Richard Kadison, M.D. & Theresa Foy DiGeronimo, 2004

Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money, by E. Johnson & Christine Schelhas-Miller, 2000

How to Survive And Thrive in an Empty Nest: Reclaiming Your Life When Your Children Have Grown, by Robert H. Lauer, 1999

When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parent’s Survival Guide, by Carol Barkin, 1999

Almost Grown: Launching Your Child from High School to College, by Patrick Pasick, 1998

Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College, by Andrea Van Steenhouse & Johanna Parker, 1998

Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Today’s College Experience, by Karen Levin Coburn & Madge Lawrence Treeger, 2009.

Adapted from University of Florida's Counseling and Wellness Center with permission.