It’s not a surprise that communication with new college students tends to drop off after you drop them off. After all, they’re excited about meeting their new friends and learning about how their college or university works. To be honest, that’s what they should do. On the other hand, parents are often dying for information […]
Work on Communication Before School Starts Read More »
Congratulations! Your son or daughter (or other family member) is now heading to college! I wish you well as you all transition to college. What? You say you’re not the one going to college? Well guess what: when your son or daughter starts going to college in a way, you’re going, too. Except you won’t
The (Your) Transition to College Read More »
College students sometimes drink alcohol even though they are underage. A shock, I know. And there are lots of ways to address or think about that situation, but the worst way is to say to students “We know you’re going to drink.” We heard the same thing at parent orientation for our daughter: “We know
No, They Don’t have to Drink Read More »
There was a phenomenon back in the 1960s of player coaches in the NBA. It doesn’t matter where they were, the idea was that someone on the court with great experience and leadership could make as good as or better decisions than even some very competent coaches on the sidelines. There is certainly mixed data
Your Son or Daughter as Player Coach Read More »
One of the most important skills parents of college students need to learn is making what I call the “smooth referral.” This is in line with our role as your student’s most important behind the scenes consultants. We are really talking about getting your student to the resources he or she needs to thrive in
The Smooth Referral Read More »
You will inevitably receive several difficult phone calls from your student during their first semester. Or, if they are living at home while in college, the stressed reactions when they get home. Some of these calls will relate to roommates, others to how he or she is “fitting in,” and others about how terrible
College is Supposed to be Challenging Read More »
Perhaps the most challenging change for the parents of new college students, beyond the sadness because their son or daughter isn’t at home anymore, is the shift from parent of a child to parent of a young adult. While your student will be your son or daughter for life, and there’s nothing magical about turning
Becoming a Consultant to your Student Read More »
One of the biggest transitions for parents and students during college is the lower level of communication that occurs when students are fifty, a hundred or more miles away. It’s certainly more difficult to have casual conversations when you’re not in the same house. Of course, there are other parents who say they don’t talk
Hide Their Favorite Sweater Read More »
Yep. I am honestly telling you that getting your student off to college is a time for cheers and not tears, even though the latter is what you’re going to be thinking and worrying about the entire time. Colleges expend a great deal of effort in giving students a smooth transition from your home to