Parenting from afar: Tips for supporting your college student from a distance
Parenting from afar: Tips for supporting your college student from a distance
Sending your child off to college is a monumental milestone, filled with mixed emotions of pride, anxiety and hope. As parents, your role shifts from constantly overseeing your children to offering support from a distance. Here are some pointers to ensure your college freshman knows you’re there for them while fostering their independence.
Get to know their class schedule
It might be helpful to put a copy of your student’s class schedule on the fridge or in your phone. That way, you’ll have a grasp of which classes they are taking and when. Also take note of any student organizations your child joins as well as their work schedule. This will also help you start quality conversations with them, as you can ask them specific questions about the class they just got out of or the meeting they have coming up.
Ask the right questions
You may want to ask a million questions about your teen’s major and grades, but this isn’t necessarily what they need from you right now. Instead, show them you care by asking if they’re happy, what’s different than they expected, and if you can help them in any way. All of these questions and others like them send a clear message: you may not be around, but you care about their well-being.
Spend time with them on campus
This is tricky because even if your child’s college campus is relatively close, it’s wise to not regularly visit, as they need the opportunity to make friends and exercise independence. That being said, there are going to be times when you are definitely wanted on campus. For example, schools like the University of Northern Iowa have a dedicated Family Weekend when families of students are invited on campus to experience student life. Attending and being engaged at events like these will show your support for your student. In addition to these events, occasional visits accompanied by dinners off campus and grocery store trips will be appreciated by your college freshman.
Make home a special place
When your student returns home on breaks or occasional weekends, plan ahead and ask your student what they'd like to do to make that visit extra special. Would they like to dine out as a family? Would they prefer a quiet night in? Do they have any special food requests? Remember, throughout their college experience, your student will be growing and changing, so it's best not to assume you know what they may want.
Get to know their campus resources
Your child needs to know it’s OK and completely normal to ask for help. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with campus resources for financial aid, tutoring, mental health and more. That way, if your student is struggling with something, you can encourage them to seek help. This will also give you some peace of mind.
Let them learn by living
As a parent, it can be tempting to always share your opinions and advice. When your teen asks for your opinion, it’s okay to offer it. But if they don’t, allow them to make their own choices, even if that means making mistakes. The only way your child is going to learn is if you allow them to live independently.
Send care packages
Care packages are a great way to let your child know you’re thinking of them. Even a simple card can go a long way. At the University of Northern Iowa, sending care packages is easy with Hugs from Home. You can send flowers or care packages made up of snacks and drinks. Order online and choose from one-time gifts and bundles. Your teen will love this simple gesture!
Watch your teen thrive at UNI
Parenting is so much easier when you’re confident that your child is in good hands at college. The University of Northern Iowa is the perfect place for your teen to thrive! At UNI, you can expect they will get individualized attention from faculty and staff thanks to smaller class sizes and a campus that feels like a tight-knit community. They can take advantage of diverse academic programs, make lifelong friends and build their future with confidence. Check out more reasons your teen will love the UNI experience at why.uni.edu.
