Well, it is that time of year again- graduation is finally upon us! For many teenagers, the much anticipated day has arrived, and all those years of arduous work are about to pay off. Yet, with this important milestone comes many changes. Some of which may prove themselves to be stressful. So, how do we support our graduating teens in balancing the excitement of graduating with the unknowns and scariness of many new life changes? Here are a few helpful tips that parents can use to support their teens’ transition into college life.
Preparation is Key. It is wise to find out as much about your child’s school as possible. Where are the key areas located on campus? How is transportation around campus managed? Where can your child go for help academically or emotionally? What are the percentages of people who stay on the weekends? All these important questions can give you and your teen vital knowledge in helping them to navigate a typical day in their “new routine.”
Be Realistic. There are many ideologies out there about college life; some of which may set exceedingly elevated expectations for your teen. For example, “it is going to be the best 4 years of your life!” or “everyone loves being away at college, you will have so much fun!” Unfortunately, these are not always true for all college students. Therefore, encourage your child to enter college with an open mind and support the notion of good days and bad days. Not everyone experiences the social and academic norms of college in the same way. For example, the pressure of meeting new people is often overwhelming for some. Allow your teen to experience these new steps with grace and room for acceptance of small setbacks. Striking that balance between realistic expectations (such as going to class = getting an education) and superpower thinking (such as I can still pass without showing up for class) will aid your first-year students in seeing the truths of growing up and resisting unhealthy temptations.
Encourage Resourcefulness. Once you support your teen in the possibility of small setbacks, where should they go from there? Help them compile a list of resources to help them figure out ways to cope and move onward. For example, does the campus offer a counseling center? Where can he or she go for academic tutoring? Is there a list of potential clubs, activities, or offerings that may appeal to your teen and could encourage new friendships? Can you show your child time management skills such as using a planner or app that allows them to break down class assignments into daily checklists?
De-Stress and Relax. Graduating seniors often enter college with a wealth of expectations. However, these expectations can also elicit stress and fear of failure. Therefore, practicing self-care is vital to keeping your teen in check. Simple routines such as good sleep hygiene, exercising, healthy eating, and socializing with like-minded individuals can help ward off stress and promote resilience to college stressors such as lengthy workloads and feeling homesick.
Socialization in Lieu of Technology. In the era of technology, teens today are prone to spend more time behind their phones or computers than ever before. Yes, these devices are useful for communication and schoolwork. However, it is fair to say that nothing can replace face-to-face communication and exchange of ideas. So, go to class, prop your dorm room door open, join events, make plans to eat with others, and visit home occasionally. All of this makes your teen feel less isolated, often leading to a greater propensity to adjust and positively experience their new worlds.
As you can see, encroaching upon college life can be a complicated process for some. However, with the right amount of preparedness and support, parents can provide a starting point for success. Perhaps discussing these important points right after high school graduation is best in allowing the time needed to raise awareness and set your teen up for increased success! Happy Graduation!
Author: Vanessa LaBruzza