Your child just got accepted into college. We can imagine you’re proud right now.
But there is also a difficult task ahead of you — preparing for their departure. Your fears are similar to your child’s — that you won’t be cut out for the challenges to come. 
Don’t sink into this feeling. Now is a time to unite with your child.
We’re going to take you both through steps that will prepare you for what’s to come, and you’ll both enter this new chapter of your lives from a place of strength. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Pack Smart
Packing for college is tricky. You want your kid to have everything they need, but you don’t want to overpack. This makes for a harsh moving experience and difficulty fitting everything into the dorm room.
Send them a few creature comforts, such as a coffee maker or a music player, so they can start getting settled into their temporary new home.
The packing can feel endless, and it’s hard to keep track of. The most important things are comfortable bedding, studying materials, and toiletries.
For more information about moving to the dorms, check out these guides by ZOOM Removals.
2. Encourage Their Autonomy
Parents are sent mixed messages about their role these days. You’re told to prevent anything from happening to them, but then not to be a “hovercraft”.
Regular communication will give you both the comfort of familiarity. However, young adults need space to grow in their new environment. Set up a few times a week to talk, and keep it within these times. This sets new healthy boundaries for you both as everyone transitions into this new reality.
Your child’s ability to succeed depends on the assurance that their parents are alright. Turn to methods of self-comfort for getting through the first while.
3. Don’t Panic About The First Couple of Grades
College is different from high school. The workload is more sneaky. A college course’s syllabus looks lighter, but then you learn that during those seemingly light days, you need to study hard. You’re now expected to learn on your own.
Relearning their work ethic means their first grades are not going to be their best. Don’t give them too hard of a time. They’re under a great deal of pressure as it is.
4. Plan Further Than College
College is just the first step. Make sure your child is thinking about what to do after they graduate.
It’s an all-too-common trap people fall into these days. They put everything into graduation, and then afterward they feel lost. They send out endless applications for anything they can think of and get rejections. This struggle can go on for months or even years.
Avoid this by teaching them to pursue their career choice instead of just turning in assignments to someone else. Find any thread to pull on. Maybe they like working with computers. Perhaps they thrive in public speaking situations. Whatever it is, sit down with them and help them find their passion.
5. Encourage Them To Get Involved
It seems like too much to juggle all of these new classes. However, it’s important to encourage your child to immerse themselves in activities outside of school. Later on, hiring managers are going to skip over applications that were someone who just went from class to their dorms.
If an opportunity to join an organization comes along, they should take it. It could be anything from a sport to something philanthropic to theatre. Anything they get involved in will provide them with marketable skills.
Looking Forward to the Future
Taking on college life is so much more than the next four years. It’s the first step into adulthood.
Your life and relationships are about to change, but this isn’t something to fear. Trust yourself and your child. You both have all that you need to handle the challenges ahead.
Step-by-step guides on writing beautiful college essays and putting together an awesome college application:
- How to Build a Balanced College List for Counselors
- How to Write a Personal Statement
- How to Write the College Apps & Supplements
- How to Tackle Your Supplemental Essay
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