How to Support Your College Student in a Positive Way
in Their First Year of College

No parent, who has sent their child off to college, wants to hear the words, “I’m dropping out.”
Yet studies show that one out of four students in their freshman year either transfer to another university, take a break from college or never complete it altogether. Transitioning from a high school environment where you knew everyone around you for years and traveling to a college can be quite a dramatic experience. Parents can help their child ease the transition from high school to college by following a few proven tips that will help your child acclimate better to their new life.

Start Early

Pre-school to high school is not just a long process for your children. It’s also one that helps shape the person they become. When they enter high school, that’s when the first steps towards preparing them for college should begin in earnest. There is the ACT or SAT tests to take, but just as important is the emphasis on the grade point average which can help them select from a wider array of colleges and universities.

Also, working towards a scholarship should be a goal as well, not just to save you money or lower their student loans, but to help them grow into the idea that soon they will be on their own.

Choose the College Wisely

The college or university that your child selects should be one that best suits their needs and personality. While no place is going to be perfect, it does help tremendously if you and your child visit the campuses before you make the selection. While you do not have to visit every building, looking into the dorm areas, university center and getting an idea of the campus life will help ease the transition once they are off to college.

Get Them Involved

Perhaps no amount of advice is more important than getting your child involved in the activities of the university. This starts by enrolling them in an introduction session that many colleges and universities have created in order to make the transition easier. Usually these events are “get to know” sessions with other incoming students so that way they will know people who are on campus and have shared experiences with them.

Reshape Your Relationship

This is the hardest transition for parents and children to make. The adjustment from childhood to becoming an adult means that they will assume more of their own responsibilities, you can still help to guide them, but the choices will become their own to make. Understand that you are giving them the tools to succeed and empower them with the importance that making good decisions today means a better, brighter tomorrow for them.

About the Author: Ty Howard,
Mr. Untie the Knots®,
Inspiring and Freeing Optimal Success Daily!

Ty Howard is America’s Untie the Knots® Consultant, and Optimal Success and Passion Expert. He has worked with and spoken to nearly two million college faculty, staff, students, student leaders, student athletes, and higher education association members across the nation and around the world. For information on his programs and services, visit: http://dynamiccollegespeaker.com.