Being a parent to a soon-to-be university student can be filled with mixed emotions for both you and your child, especially if the child stayed home throughout their learning years.
Being a mother to a matriculant has my mind racing – I am worried about whether she will make friends easily and if she will stick to a balanced way of eating.
While some parents to kids making their way out of the nest might look forward to their new freedom, others worry about how their lives will be after their kids have left.
We may have different thoughts about this giant move, chances are they some may also be doubtful. All we can do as parents is to reassure and equip them with important information they will need.
Here are tips from My Space Residence, a student guide hub, to help you navigate the change.
Ask them about their fears and uncertainties
As exciting moving out of the house may sound, some kids may have insecurities and fears. My Space Residence suggests having conversations about their feelings may help put them at ease. The hub also adds that just by listening to your child creates a safe space as they are able to understand that what they are feeling is normal.
Work out a game plan
High school and varsity are totally different and so is their workload. Some children may be overwhelmed by the new environment. Experts recommend exercise to stimulate their minds. “Put your heads together to develop a game plan for when stresses start to mount – like working out regularly, eating healthy food, prioritising rest and saying ‘no’ more often. This will equip your child to stay focused and balanced amidst the chaos of student life, ” the publication adds.
Be real about the social pressures that come with student life
It is very important to have a conversation around the varsity social side. When doing so, make sure you are open by sharing both the good and not so good aspects of it, “a gift and a challenge”. When having a conversation around friends and the social side of things, experts say honesty is best. An extra tip: say it, don’t preach it!
Support and cheer
The health experts recommend not just financial and physical support, but also psychological approach. A good start is affirming your child throughout the process. While also reassuring them of your availability and commitment in supporting them with their new journey.
Remind your child to take prioritise good rest
Good rest is important for our long-term health, shares Forbes publication. Be sure to remind your child to take good rest whenever she/he can. You may advise them to visit home, if possible, for a proper good rest, shares My Space Residence.
Also see: How to help your child cope with matric
