Do you have a child going off to college this year? Starting college is an exciting milestone for both kids and parents. However, this new chapter can also bring about anxiety. Your child might be living away from home for the first time, making decisions on their own, becoming more independent, and taking on new challenges. We have tips on how to ease this transition, help your child feel prepared, and guide them on how to make healthy and informed choices.
Navigating Emotions and Fears About College
Before college begins in the fall, check in with your teen to see how they’re feeling. It’s normal for them to have a mix of emotions and thoughts about college, including excitement, worries, curiosity, and sadness. They might be looking forward to this next major step in their life and making new friends, while also feeling sad about moving away from their home and the life they have known. Remind them that they’re not alone and that many teens feel this way about starting college.
Your teen might also have concerns that they won’t be able to adapt to the academic challenges of college, choose a major, or make friends. One of the best ways to help your child manage their doubts and fears is to teach them how to reframe them and use positive affirmations. Talk to them about how much they have accomplished so far and the skills that they’ve already developed. Let them know that as they go through college, they will continue growing and be able to tackle new challenges. You can also introduce simple mindfulness or journaling exercises to help them process their emotions and stay grounded. If your child feels anxious about moving away from home, it’s important to let them know that your support doesn’t end just because they’ll be living somewhere else. Reassure them that they can always call and text you when they need help or someone to talk to.
Helping Teens Build Healthy Habits for College
College can throw routines out of balance, so help your teen create a foundation of good habits and self-care practices before they start their first semester. For example, many teens don’t get enough sleep to keep up with their school demands and social life. However, sleep is essential for concentration and mental health. Encourage your child to prioritize their rest, eat healthy and well-balanced meals, stay active, and take breaks from screens and social media. Building these habits before move-in day can make it easier for them to stick. It’s also helpful to go over other important life skills, such as time management and keeping up with their dental and doctor appointments. If your child uses any medications, talk to them about taking them as instructed and staying on top of their prescriptions.
Making Safe and Healthy Choices in College
Additionally, you’ll also want to have a conversation with your child about making safe, healthy, and responsible choices. Discuss alcohol and drug use and warn them about the dangers of binge drinking and substance abuse. Binge drinking is typically defined as having 4-5 or more alcoholic drinks within a single period. Consuming too much alcohol can lead to severe illness, long-term health problems, and even death. Alcohol can also impair judgment, which can lead to irresponsible decisions and make one vulnerable to dangerous situations. It’s important that your child understands the risks. If they are of legal age and choose to drink, encourage them to always eat beforehand, drink water in between alcoholic beverages, and know their limits. They should avoid exceeding a moderate amount, which is 1-2 drinks. However, note that no amount of alcohol is considered safe. Furthermore, you’ll want to remind your child to never drink and drive. It’s also imperative that your teen understands that alcohol and drugs should never be used to cope with mental health struggles. If they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, encourage them to talk to someone they trust or seek support from a counselor.
Lastly, it’s important to talk to your teen about safe sex and what healthy, respectful relationships look like. Have a conversation with them about consent and remind them that they should never do anything they’re uncomfortable with or because they feel pressured to. If your teen chooses to be sexually active, make sure they know about precautions to follow, including how to use protection. If they’re considering birth control pills, they should first speak with a healthcare provider. And even if they are taking precautions, it’s still important that they keep up with medical checkups for testing and that they get vaccinated against HPV. For more information about birth control, visit this guide.
Remember that before your child starts college, they should be up-to-date with their vaccinations and physicals. To schedule an appointment or talk about health planning for college, please call our office.
