Supporting your child as they transition to college brings up parental emotions from elation to grief and everything in between. The resources below are ones I’ve collected over the years that address this exciting, nostalgic…and sometimes chaotic time in a family.
Websites about the college transition
Grown and Flown is an excellent resource for parents of teens and young adults. Under the “College” tab, there are entries specific to parents of graduates and soon-to-be-graduates. Tone and content is not to be missed!
Kids in the House is a wonderful parenting website full of short videos and articles on all topics INCLUDING the transition to college. The link below will take you to a series of videos on topics ranging from “Preparing your Child for College Parties” to “How Other Adults Can Help Your Teen Assert Independence.” All good stuff.
Rethinking Parental identity
After the Children Have Grown by Madeline Levine. This 2013 NYTimes article is a reflection on motherhood now that the author’s children are older and out of the house. Levine discusses the redefinition of her identity as a mom given that her children no longer require her regular mothering. A good read for parents whose children are leaving the nest for college and beyond.
Unprepared by Rob Lowe. In this personal essay, actor Rob Lowe gives an honest, behind-the-scenes look at his own reaction to sending his oldest son off to college. Parents will appreciate Lowe’s candor as he waffles between optimism for his son’s opportunities and sadness at the prospect of not having his son at home.
It’s normal to worry when your child leaves for college. Here’s how to cope
To The Soon To Be College Moms: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry In this short article, the author reassures readers that a) it’s normal to worry about your child’s transition to college, b) it’s common for parents to wonder what they did wrong to cause their own worries, and c) it will all work out in the end.
Why it’s So Hard When Your Child Leaves for College — And How to Cope “Ask any parent what it’s like to have a child leaving for college and you’ll hear about a range of emotions, including sadness, excitement, and fear. But most parents will agree that, above all else, it’s really, really hard…..If you’re having a hard time with the idea of your child leaving for college, know that you’re not alone, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier on yourself and your child.”
Yay for college! And yay for being an empty-nester!
I Can’t Wait for My Daughter to Go Off to College. Not everyone feels nostalgic about sending their kids off to the next step. Some are really looking forward to it. This article is for those folks who are excited for their child’s next step and their own!
I Dropped My Kid at College, and I’m Pretty Stinkin’ Happy About It! In this blog post by yours truly, I am not one of the nostalgic parents. I describe feelings of joy-and a little bit of guilt about that joy–after dropping my oldest at college.
preparing for your child’s first year in college
The W-Curve Model: Understanding a new college student’s experience. In this article from the Mayo Clinic, the author outlines the common ups and downs, as well as the timeline for the ups and downs, as freshmen make the adjustment to college life and the new culture of their school.
The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen (2017) Sourcebooks. Inc. From Amazon: From sharing a bathroom with 40 strangers to sharing lecture notes, The Naked Roommate is your behind-the-scenes look at EVERYTHING you need to know about college (but never knew you needed to know). This essential, fully updated edition is packed with real-life advice on everything from making friends to managing stress. Hilarious, outrageous, and telling stories from students on over 100 college campuses cover the basics, and then some, including topics on
- College Living: Dorm dos, don’ts, and dramas
- Finding People, Places, & Patience: Friend today, gone tomorrow
- Classes: To go or not to go?
- Dating: The Rules for College Love
- The Party Scene: Sex, drugs, and safety first
- Money: Grants, loans, and loose change
The Secret to Raising Healthy Teens: Managing Parental Distress
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