Preparing Your Student to Leave for College

Preparing to leave for college can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for you and your child. Moving away from home for the first time with endless amounts of freedom can seem overwhelming, but talking to your child and preparing yourself to let go can make the transition easier.

Talk to your child about:

Drinking/Drugs

Openly discuss what your child should do when faced with the issue of drugs or alcohol. Role-play some responses with them to help ease the first encounter. Explain to them that all actions have ramifications, and if they choose to drink, stress that it should be done responsibly.

Organization

You will no longer be there to constantly remind your child to do this or that, so stress the importance of being organized and managing tasks in a time appropriate manner.

Communication

Set up expectations for communication. College students’ schedules can be hectic, so keeping in touch with them can be tough. Setting a time and a day several times a week for them to call will ease your mind, as well as theirs.

Prepare yourself to let go:

Friends

Be sure that you have someone to talk to about your feelings. It is even more helpful if your friend is experiencing, or has experienced, the same thing.

Outside interests

Find something you love to do (outside of your home). Get involved with the community, try yoga, or maybe go back to school. It’s helpful to have something new to throw yourself into to counterbalance those “empty nest” feelings.

Let them be

Before they leave home, progressively give your child more freedom and independence. This will make it easier for you because can rest easier knowing that he/she can handle being independent.

With a little thought and effort, your student’s transition will be easier for everyone!