The summer after senior year can be emotionally taxing for parents and students. It may be difficult to cope with the realization that your child is all grown up and ready to move onto college. For some parents, this may mean your child is moving away to a different city or even across the country. For students, it’s an emotional process too as they realize they’ve finally reached the phase in life where they can no longer rely solely on their parents–they have to stand on their own two feet. Getting to this point is exciting but it can also be quite intimidating.
Balancing the student’s need for freedom and independence with the parent’s need for safety and a good night’s sleep is tricky. Students often have mixed emotions when it comes to college. They’re excited to finally have the freedom to do what they want but they’re also trepidatious about what to expect from college life. Parents often feel the same way. They’re proud and delighted to have their child going off to college but there is often apprehension when it comes to letting go. How will their child adjust to college life? Will they be safe? Will they make wise decisions? What kind of friends will they attract?
It’s important to talk honestly about how you are trying to adapt to your child’s impending departure as much as they are trying to adapt to the reality of growing up. Through open communication, you and your child can come to a mutual understanding of feelings surrounding the transition to college. Discuss any concerns you may have—be it financial concerns, academic responsibilities, safety issues, and your expectations around communication with your child once they move out. Without these conversations, your child may not be aware of your attempt to adapt to this monumental change. It will help them realize how human you are!
We recommend books and articles to help families get through this exciting but difficult time.
We know how it feels (we’ve been through it ourselves!) and we have worked with many families on adjusting to this new reality. We know the transition from high school to college can be taxing for many parents and kids. We offer tips and advice on how to adjust and how to help your child comfortably transition to college life. This is a stressful and major change in your child’s life too, so it’s important to support them fully as they leave the nest.
Call us at (818) 207-0263 to discuss how we can help you and your child prepare for the college transition.
