What can I do to help my child from a distance?
Be available to talk and touch base regularly.
It may be helpful to have a conversation with your student about how often they would like you to check-in. Express your interest in your child's life at school while being respectful of their independence.
Talk openly about finances.
Sit down with your student before they come to school to determine a detailed plan about who will pay for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, and what the family's expectations are about spending money.
Be realistic about grades.
Not every student who excelled academically in high school will be a straight-A student in college. If your child is struggling academically, there are lots of resources on campus to help. Encourage your student to take advantage of campus resources.
Resources for Parents
Books
- When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parent's Survival Guide by Carol Barkin
- You're On Your Own (But I'm Here If You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Majorie Savage
- Been There, Should Have Done That II: More Tips for Making the Most of College by Suzette Tyler
- She's Leaving Home - Letting Go as a Daughter Goes to College by Connie Jones
- Give Them Wings by Carol Kuykendall
- Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College by Andrea Van Steerhouse
- How to Survive and Thrive in an Empty Nest: Reclaiming Your Life When Your Children Have Grown by Jeanette C. Lauer
- Almost Grown: Launching Your Child From High School to College by Patricia Pasick
- Becoming a Wise Parent for Your Grown Child: How to Give Love and Support Without Meddling by Betty Frain, Ph.D & Eileen M. Clegg
- I'll Miss You Too: An Off-to-College Guide for Parents and Students by Margo E. Woodacre Bane & Stephanie Bane