Help Your Teen Thrive in College - Tips for Parents

As a parent, you want to support your child in every transition they make. One of the biggest transitions a teen goes through is moving from high school to college. For parents, it can be a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be that way. With the right mindset and strategies, you can support your teen without stressing too much. 

First and foremost, it's important to remember that this is your child's journey. They will have to figure things out on their own. Your tole as a parent is to provide support, guidance, and a listening ear. Trust that your child is capable of navigating this new territory and be there to offer encouragement along the way.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your teen might experience a range of emotions during the transition. They may feel excited, nervous, scared, or stressed. It's important to acknowledge and validate their feelings while also providing perspective. Remind them that it's normal to feel this way and that this experience will help them grow and develop into a stronger individual.

When it comes to logistics, there are 5 things you can do to help your teen prepare for college. 

1. Encourage them to research the school they will be attending and become familiar with the campus. 

2. Help them create a budget for expenses and go over basic living skills such as laundry, cooking, and time management. 

3. Make sure your child knows that you are always there for them. Stay connected through regular phone calls, texts, or video chats. Offer to send care packages, visit campus, or attend family weekends. Your love and support can go a long way in helping them feel confident and secure in this new chapter of their life. 

4. Familiarize yourself as a parent to encourage your child to find someone knowledgeable of the school that they can build trust with, in case they need someone/something there. (IE - Dorm Mom, Student Services Center etc)

5. Remember that this is a time of growth and transition for both of you and your child. Embrace the journey, stay positive, and offer your unwavering support. The possibilites are endless and future is bright. 

Check out our podcast on this topic! 

Author

Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.