|
Understanding the Transition to College |
|
|
Page 1 of 4 What your college student may experience:
For your daughter or son, their college experience will likely be a time of increased autonomy, self-exploration and discovery, and intellectual stimulation and growth. During this time, your child may forge new personal, career, and social identities and goals as they clarify their own values and beliefs. This could require an examination of self, family and friends and there may be occasions when your child challenges or questions the values that you hold dear.
What parents may experience
It is quite typical for parents to have a wide range of emotional responses in reaction to their daughter or son leaving home for college. While so much of the focus is on the first-year student’s transition, it is easy to overlook the fact that this can be a significant transition for parents as well.
As a parent, you may experience many confusing and conflicting emotions when your child leaves home for college including happiness, sadness, excitement, and apprehension. You may worry about your daughter or son’s ability to manage their new responsibilities effectively. You may be concerned about how your daughter or son will deal with alcohol, drugs, and sexual relationships. Regardless of your specific reaction, talking about these feelings with family, friends or some other listener is a healthy approach.
|
|
Last Updated ( June 18, 2009 )
|
