09/09/2025
College Campus life and Parents:
1. If you sent your child to a college to sleep away from you in the dorm, you no longer have control of their social life, relationship/hookup choices or activity, or where & when they choose to sleep. Please do not use the college bill as leverage. You know that they could never afford this by themselves.
2. If your child is now taking on a college schedule that is consumed by random classes, meals, and activities, they will communicate with you on their schedule, not yours. Just stress that you want that communication more often (a quick text every day and a call once a week). They'll hopefully listen if you've taught them how valuable that is.
3. Do not hover. Do not jump in to rescue. And most of all, do not judge. Your kid is not going to make the best choices ALL the time. Be a listening ear, a voice of experience, a mentor, and a safe place to land.
4. Your child is now a young adult. But remember that their brain is not yet fully developed til the age of 25, which means they may be irresponsible, immature, & impulsive at times. Yes, they need independence, but they also need empathy, guidance, and love while they navigate this next phase of life in a brand new setting with brand new people.
5. Remember back to when you were a college-aged kid. Did you always go to class, show up on time, or do everything perfectly?? Give your kid a longer leash. Perfection is not attainable for anyone. Let go of your baby, but also let go of the fact that your kid will not follow your exact vision for them. They need to follow their own path. The setbacks, roadblocks, & detours create a deeper learning journey.
You've got his parents!!
And so do your kids!!!
