If you’re in my position this year, you’re sending off your child to college. Did I say college?!? For me, it’s everything I imagined…meaning yes, name the emotion associated with one of your own leaving the nest, and I’m feeling it. Here’s a great article I stumbled across showcasing some tips for the adjustment period at home once your child starts down their own path to adulthood and uncharted waters…
6 Tips for Adjusting to Your Child Going to College
When I dropped off my eldest child at college, I thought my heart was going to break. However, just a few weeks after that sad weekend, I had adjusted to and accepted the fact that my daughter was no longer a permanent member of my household. Here are a few tips to help you adjust if you are sending your child off to college for the first time.
1. Reassure your child that they will be fine on their own at college. Though your child may act ready to leave and excited to start this new adventure, there is sure to be a little anxiety and apprehension. If you show your child that you are confident that he or she will succeed, it will help make them feel more confident also.
2. Don’t draw out the goodbyes. The most difficult part of beginning college is often the final goodbye, right after the dorm room has been set up and everything is unpacked. Make it as quick and painless as possible — like ripping off a bandage. There will be tears — yours and theirs — but that’s ok. Don’t be hard on yourself or your child for feeling so much emotion. On the other hand, don’t be surprised if you child is somewhat cool and quick to say goodbye — that’s perfectly normal, too.
3. Don’t hover. Don’t constantly call, text, email, Facebook chat, tweet, IM or anything else. Let your child take the lead on contacting you. Sooner or later they all call home. By letting them call you when they need the comfort of your voice or a few extra dollars, you are allowing them to manage their feelings on their own, which is an important element in growing up. Inevitably calls from your college kids will come as they are walking to and from class, a time when they may feel somewhat isolated and lonely in the beginning….
