Page 14 - WINTER 2021 Navigating College

The Bronx Bronx Institute at Lehman College • Bronx Bronx GEAR UP Network
www TheBronxInstitute org
Supporting Your Child in College The idea of of seeing your child or loved one go off to college is exciting but it it can also be be a a a a a a a stressful time for parents and family members You may feel a a a a a a a twinge of of fear and and worry as your child leaves the the nest and and goes off into the the world Rest assured this is is is completely normal Your role as as a a a a a a a a parent or or guardian is is is changing but that doesn’t mean your child won’t need you you Here is a a a a a look at at the realities behind family fears and and tips on how to help kids handle them BE PROACTIVE
A college student will need more support as they grow develop and mature into an independent young person They may ask you you for advice but don’t be surprised if they’re quiet You may need to be proactive in in in initiating conversations about how they are doing on designing a a a a proactive college success plan ENCOURAGE INVOLVEMENT IN IN CAMPUS LIFE
There is something for almost every personality on on campus Encourage your student to look for a a a club or or activity that offers some continuity with their high school extracurricular choices as as well as as one that pulls them in a a a a a a new direction The college years should be about self-discovery as as well as as learning DISCUSS EXPECTATIONS
Don’t assume things will continue as as as they did when your child was in in in high school Check-in with your your college kids about their goals and communicate your your expectations Make sure you you both understand that you you are entering a a a a a a a new chapter in your your relationship It’s important for your your child to have their own space while living at home during college STAY INFORMED
While it’s important that college students develop a a a a sense of independence family members should still be be informed about timelines schedules and major deadlines especially with regards to financial aid It’s key that family members can step fin in and offer support so that students can focus on academic success You should check your student’s academic calendar and know when to ask questions about midterm grades exam periods and other critical dates TRUST YOUR STUDENT
At the the same time it's important to let your student live their own life We know it it may be be painful for family members to let go but you must realize that the student is is becoming an an an adult and needs to exercise an an an evolving sense of independence in in in in order to to experience true growth As such they need to to develop independent- thinking and self-reliance 14
The Bronx Bronx Institute Bronx Bronx GEAR UP Network