5 Incredible College Tips for Parents: College Advice for Parents

As we prepare to send our children back to college, many of us for the first time, here are college tips for parents to guarantee a successful college transition.  This college advice is great for not only parents of college freshmen, but they are great college tips for all college parents.  We can no longer just send our college students off with a pat on the back and hope that everything works out OK.  College is too expensive and the pressure is too great on our young adults already.  We need to take an active role in their preparation so that they can lead productive, independent lives once they are away.  

Following these 5 college advice tips will put students in a better situation to place to succeed.  They are simple ways to open up communication and create an easier transition to independent, college life.

1. Talk to your kids about time management:Lack of time management skills is one of the key reasons that college students suffer academically in their freshman year, and beyond.  Students must learn to balance classes, homework, studying, time for friends, sports, clubs, meetings with professors, and social activities all by themselves.  For many students, this will be their 1st time.  They may not realize that for every one hour of class, students are expected to put in 3 hours of studying outside of class, as well.  These are the things that parents need to speak to their children about before they go to college.

2. Set up a schedule for communication:Every child is different and and every family has a different style of communication.  Setting up a standing daily or weekly call (especially in the beginning) will help both the students and the parents.  Students need to know what is expected of them in terms of communication and they also need to know that you are there if they need you.  As parents, you want to be able to balance giving your child their space/independence and having the knowledge that your child is safe and is thriving.  A clear communication schedule will give both parents and students peace of mind.

3. Be clear about financial responsibility:This is also the first time that many students will be forced to be financially responsible.  Setting up weekly, monthly, and yearly budgets will be key.  College is a huge financial burden on parents to start with.  You do not want to add to that stress by piling on extra expenses from not talking to your child about financial responsibility and proper financial planning.  Make sure they know how to balance a checkbook, set a budget, and that they know they various expenses that may pop up such as books, parties, trips, clothes, food, etc.

4. Talk to your child about physical and mental health:We often worry about our children hurting themselves and becoming physically injured.  We worry about this from the day they are born.  We want to make sure that students know what to do in case of emergencies.  Where is the hospital, where is the infirmary, who do you call if something happens in the dorm, etc.  However, parents often neglect to speak to their children about mental health.  Stress and anxiety is an epidemic on college campuses.  Academic and social pressures are taking a toll on our youth.  We need to let them know what to do if they need to speak to someone about mental health.  Make sure you talk to them about all aspects of college life, make sure they have the number of the mental health advisor, make sure they know that they are not alone.

5. Look for potential clubs and organizations that your child can look into before they go to college:Clubs and organizations are a great way to meet people with similar interests.  Talk to your child about the various groups and organizations on campus before they go to school.  This will give them some time to research the groups, find out when they have meetings and see what the groups are all about.  Finding your niche on campus can be so key to happiness and success.
I hope that you follow some of this key but simple college advice for parents.  Every single thing that you do to help prepare your child before they go to college will put them in a better place to succeed.  If you are looking for more great tips for parents and students check out my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/oneTRUEzone1

You can also check out our Career Discovery Academy that will guide students to finding their ideal career path through self-exploration and many great resources.  http://www.onetruezone.com/own-your-zone-career-discovery-academy/

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