When you send your children off to college, it's often the first time your kids have lived outside of the home and away from your own direct supervision. Because of this, you'll naturally have concerns about your kids in college. Whether you're worried about safety or getting good grades, you can rest assured by keeping the lines of communication open. College is a traditionally the time when young adults explore their autonomy, and you'll need to trust in the preparation you gave them to make the right choices.
Safety
After 18 years of keeping a watchful eye over your child, you're letting him go away to college where you'll relinquish your ability to make sure he's safe. Talking to the college about safety measures can help you have peace of mind; for instance, California State University requires all first-year students to undergo safety training and workshops.
Funding and Debt
The average college student will graduate with more than $20,000 in debt, notes MSN Money. It's no wonder that parents are concerned not only about the financial choices their students are making, but the rising costs of a college education. Having a direct discussion with your college student about how to pay for college, and talking about the dangers of credit cards, can help set her on the right path to graduate with less debt.
Grades and Education
The U.S. Department of Education admits that most parents fret about their college student's grades and educational path. Setting clear expectations about grades and conduct, as well as having your student meet with a guidance counselor regularly, can help you ensure that he is on the right path and doing well in college. If you are funding college, it gives him even more incentive to keep his grades up; setting a rule that his grade point average must remain above a certain level in order for you to pay for college is a good idea.
Drinking and Drugs
It's true that the college campus atmosphere usually includes a party culture, where students spend time drinking, using recreational drugs and engaging in less than reputable activities. Talking to your child about appropriate behavior and expectations, and visiting the campus to gauge the atmosphere, can help you feel assured that your child has her priorities in order, notes the U.S. Department of Education. Keep an eye out for warning signs that your child is binge drinking or using drugs, like slipping grades or missing classes frequently.
Decision Making
You might worry about your kids making bad choices when finally out on their own. While it's true that you can't expect your newly minted college student to make all of the right decisions, you should trust in your expertise as a parent to prepare him adequately, and then allow him to make his own mistakes. The University of Minnesota recommends using indirect questions to talk to your college student about his decisions on and off campus. Communication can help him make the best choices possible.
