The power of association can be a dangerous thing. The first few days and weeks of school are packed with activities and meeting new friends. The challenge of meeting new people and adjusting to new situations takes a majority of a new students time and concentration. So, unless they are reminded of it (by a well-meaning parent), students will probably be able to escape sever bouts of homesickness. And, they may not tell you this- but they really do miss you!
Although first-year students are typically eager to experience all the away-from-home independence they can in those first weeks, most are still anxious for family ties and the security those ties bring. Sensitive parents may misinterpret this surge of independence as rejection, but Id bet most first-year students (although 99% wont ever admit it) would give anything for some news of home and family, however mundane it may seem to you. Email and Instant Messaging are great methods for keeping in touch with your student.
First-year students have a tendency to resent interference from mom or dad about their collegiate lifestyle and independent status but most still yearn for the security of knowing that their family members are interested in and care about them. Parental curiosity can be perceived as obnoxious and alienating or as helpful and supportive, depending on the approach and the attitudes of the people involved. Questions or statements that begin with, I have a right to know or Im paying the bills, so I expect you to tell me everything should be avoided. However, honest inquiries that foster discussion and encourage independent decision-making are very helpful in developing a productive parent-student relationship.
Expect your student to change. Change may occur drastically within the first few months of school, slowly over time, or somewhere in between. Change is natural and inevitable, and it can be inspiring and beautiful. Quite often, though, change can be very frustrating both for you and for your student. College and the experiences associated with it can affect changes in social, vocational, and personal behavior and choices. Someone who has always prided herself on long hair may suddenly decide that she wants a very short haircut, the quiet and reserved over-achiever may choose to have an ear pierced or get a tattoo, or the student who has been following the family tradition of becoming a physician may decide to pursue philosophy instead.
Parenting can sometimes be a thankless job, especially during the college years. It often involves a great deal of giving and only a little receiving. Frequently, when problems become too much for a student to handle (a failed exam, ended relationship, and a shrunken t-shirt all in one day), the only (and best) place to turn, dial, or write is home. Often, and unfortunately, this is the only time when that urge to communicate with mom and dad is felt so strongly. Youre providing a real service as a sympathetic listener, advice dispenser, or punching bag. Granted, it is a service that makes you feel lousy at times, but it works wonders for a frustrated student. Of course, you should pay attention to the frequency of depressive messages or conversations. Changes in mood or behavior may be an early indication of emotional or psychological distress. If you are concerned that your student is troubled, speak to your son or daughter when you notice something unusual. Be willing to listen to what your son or daughter has to say, and avoid being critical or judgmental. Encourage responsibility by helping your son or daughter to define the problem and identify possible solutions. Remember that the University has lots of resources to help your student, including counseling.
Visits by parents (especially when accompanied by shopping sprees and/or dinners out) are another part of the first-year events that new students are reluctant to admit liking, but would appreciate greatly. Remember, pretended disdain of those visits is just another part of the first-year syndrome. Visits give the student a chance to introduce some of the important people in both of his or her now-important worlds to each other. Additionally, its a way for parents to become familiar with their students new activities, commitments, and friends. Spur-of-the-moment surprises are usually not appreciated. While you may be excited about surprising your student with a a visit, your son or daughter may not be happy to see you when you arrive. Pre-emption of a planned evening of studying or a weekend filled with activities can have disastrous results. Always remember, call first.
The first year of college (as well as the other three) may be laden with indecision, insecurity, disappointments and mistakes. On the other hand, theyre also full of discovery, inspiration, good times and new people. However, except in retrospect, its not the good that stands out. Any parent who believes that all college students get good grades, know what they want to major in, always have activity-packed weekends, thousands of close friends, and lead carefree, worry-free lives is wrong. So are the parents that think that college-educated means mistake-proof. Parents that perpetuate and insist upon the best years stereotype can create counter-productive situations that work against their childs already difficult self-development. Those parents who accept and understand the highs and lows of their students reality are providing the support and encouragement where its needed most.
Finding oneself is a difficult process without feeling that the people whose opinions you respect most are second-guessing your own second-guessing. One of the most important things my mom ever wrote me in my four years at college was this: I love you and want for you all the things that make you the happiest; and I guess you, not I, are the one who knows best what those things are. She wrote that during my senior year. Believe in your son or daughter, have faith, and communicate your trust.
The list above is adapted from Michelsen, J. (1976), Parenting a College Freshman, Peoria, IL: Bradley University. The suggestions are purposely subjective and were written by a student not long after graduation. They are based on careful observations of mistakes and/or breakthroughs made by her parents and the families of her friends. The original material has been adapted to reflect changes over the past 30 years since the piece was written.
The Counseling Center offers after-hours emergency coverage for urgent mental health concerns such as suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, and other trauma. Call the Counseling Center at (828)262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on-call.
For additional resources see our Emergency Services page.
