As parents, we hope our children will smoothly transition into college life. But the truth is, many freshmen (and upperclassmen) end up overwhelmed navigating this new environment full of distractions and mounting responsibilities.
Between figuring out time management, pushing through tricky courses, juggling jobs and maintaining health, students get extremely stressed. And stress can lead to poor performance, depression, or worse. As much as we want to shield our kids, how can we provide meaningful support from afar when they hit obstacles?
Below are my top 5 practical tips to guide your student through struggles so they can get back on track to thrive.
Encourage Help Seeking
Why It’s Critical: Encouraging help-seeking behavior is crucial as it empowers college students to overcome challenges effectively. Students may face academic, emotional, or personal hurdles, and seeking help ensures timely intervention and support.
How Parents Can Help: Create an environment where asking for help is normalized. Discuss the importance of reaching out to professors, advisors, or campus support services. Share stories of successful experiences when seeking help led to positive outcomes, emphasizing that it is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Normalize Struggle
Why It’s Critical: Normalizing struggle cultivates a growth mindset, teaching students that challenges are inherent in the learning process. Embracing difficulties as opportunities for growth builds resilience and a positive attitude toward overcoming obstacles.
How Parents Can Help: Share personal stories of challenges you faced and the valuable lessons learned. Reinforce the idea that struggle is a natural part of any journey, emphasizing that mistakes and setbacks are not failures but stepping stones toward success. Celebrate their efforts and perseverance rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
Identify Key Support Resources
Why It’s Critical: Identifying and utilizing support resources is essential for addressing academic and personal needs effectively. Colleges offer various services like tutoring, counseling, and academic advising that can significantly contribute to a student’s success.
How Parents Can Help: Familiarize your student with available campus resources during orientation or visits. Discuss the role of academic advisors, tutoring centers, and counseling services. Encourage regular use of these resources and help them navigate any bureaucratic processes to access support promptly.
Set Realistic Goals
Why It’s Critical: Setting realistic goals helps students manage their time and efforts efficiently, preventing burnout and frustration. Achievable goals also contribute to a sense of accomplishment, boosting motivation and confidence.
How Parents Can Help: Assist your student in setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Discuss the importance of flexibility in goal-setting, allowing for adjustments as circumstances evolve. Provide guidance on prioritization to help them focus on what truly matters.
Maintain Open Communication
Why It’s Critical: Open communication is the foundation of a supportive relationship between parents and college students. It enables the sharing of challenges, concerns, and successes, fostering a strong support system that positively impacts a student’s overall well-being.
How Parents Can Help: Create a non-judgmental space for open dialogue. Regardless of your child’s communication habits, regularly check in on their experiences, challenges, and achievements. Listen actively, express empathy, and offer guidance when needed. Be approachable, reinforcing that they can confide in you without fear of judgment or criticism.