As your child makes the transition to being a college student, you will also be transitioning to the parent of a college student. To assist you with this transition, we have provided some hints and advice from Bill Erb, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Student Health Services at UVU. Below you will find some advice from him on making your child's transition to college, as well as your own transition to parenting a college student, more smooth.
You may have already noticed that the relationship with your child is changing. Starting school is an exciting and important stage of life for your college-aged-child. As students enter adulthood, parents continue to play a vital role. However, the parenting role, goals and objectives have changed. You are now in the launching phase of parenting where self-confidence and autonomy are taught. It is important that parents begin to transition their parenting style into a coaching or advising role to facilitate the autonomy that is so critical in adulthood. Whether you are sending your first child to a university or your last, negotiating the changing relationship with your child can be a challenge. Here are 10 tips to help you make the transition.
1 -Stay in touch.
2 -Don’t overburden your child with your emotional issues.
3 -Be realistic about financial matters, academic achievement, and the choices your student is making.
4 -Avoid telling your student, “These are the best years of your life!”
5 -Allow space for your student to set the agenda during some of your conversations.
6 -Promote independent problem-solving.
7 -Talk to your student about overall “wellness.”
8 -Be aware of unusual changes in your student’s personality or lifestyle.
9 -Give your student the opportunity to express new viewpoints and opinions.
10 -Learn all you can about UVU.
