Your baby is now a senior in high school, and college is right around the corner. It’s hard to believe how fast time has flown, but it’s also exciting to think about all the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead for your child. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child be successful in college, both academically and emotionally. After all, every parent dreams of seeing their child graduate from college.
There are a lot of things you can do as a parent to help your child prepare for college, but here are 10 tips that we think are the most important:
Talk about expectations and goal setting
Discuss social-emotional learning books teens what your child wants to accomplish during their college years, both academically and personally. Have a sit-down with them and listen to what they have to say. This will help you better understand how you can support them and what your expectations are for their college experience. You can help them set realistic goals and create a plan for how they will achieve them. And remember, you need to be realistic about what your child can handle.
Help them choose the right college
There are many factors to consider when choosing a college, and it’s important that your child chooses a school that’s the right fit for them. Discuss your child’s goals, needs, and preferences and help them research colleges that meet their criteria. Sometimes, you may want to choose the school for them without involving them, but, ultimately, it’s their decision, and you need to respect that.
Also, encourage them to visit the campus as it is a great way to get a feel of it and see if it’s the right fit for them. If possible, visit the campus together to see it for yourself and provide support and guidance.
Discuss the importance of time management and study habits
Good time management and study habits are essential for success in college. Perhaps your child enjoys playing online casino games or even playing video games. Whatever it is that they enjoy, you need to help them find a balance so they can still get their work done and have some fun. It’s also important to let them know about the importance of managing their time wisely and using study strategies that work for them.
Encourage them to get involved in extracurricular activities
Involvement in extracurricular activities is a great way for your child to meet new people, explore new interests, and learn new skills. Encourage your child to get involved in activities that interest them, whether it’s a club, sport, or volunteer opportunity. Building their network in college and getting involved in activities they enjoy will help them have a more well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
Talk about finances
Money is often a major concern for college students, so it’s important to discuss finances before your child heads off to school. Talk about things like budgeting, scholarships, student loans, and working during college. Help your child develop a plan for how they will manage their money so they can focus on their studies.
Encourage them to take care of their health
Good health is not something you should gamble with. Your child needs to be in good physical and mental health to succeed in college. Encourage them to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and see a counselor if they need to. Taking care of their health will help them feel their best and be able to focus on their studies.
Talk about sex
Let’s face it; sex is a big part of college life. And, most parents dread having a discussion with their children about it. However, it’s important to have a discussion about sex before your child goes to college. This is a great opportunity to talk about things like safe sex, consent, and communication. It’s also a good time to let them know more about your values and expectations around sex.
Discuss drugs and alcohol
No parent wants to be summoned to the dean’s office because their child was caught drinking or using drugs. So, it’s important to have a discussion about drugs and alcohol before your child goes to college. Highlight the dangers of drug and alcohol use, as well as your expectations for their behavior. Also, let them know that peer pressure is real in college, and they should learn how to deal with it.
Encourage them to reach out if they need help
If your child is struggling with anything, whether it’s academics, mental health, or something else, encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult. Whether it’s a professor, RA, therapist, or parent, let your child know that there are people who can help them through tough times.
Keep in touch
Staying in touch with your child while in college can be challenging, but it’s important to maintain communication. Whether you send care packages, text, or talk on the phone, stay connected to your child and let them know you’re there for them.
There you have it! 10 things you can do to help your child succeed in college. By following these tips, you can set your child up for success and provide them with the support they need to thrive.
