Parents Also Need to Adjust to the College
Experience
Parents of college students often must adjust to the changes
that college seems to make in their children. After only a few
weeks away, a student often develops a new outlook, a new sense of
self. Parents can support their students by expecting the
following:
- A seemingly “alien” version of your child may occasionally
appear;
- Many new friends may visit your house;
- Your child may come home unusually late – or stay over a
friend’s house without calling;
- You occasionally may be unable to find your child at the
residence hall;
- Your child may occasionally call more often than usual – and
much of the conversation may be about money.
- Your child’s appearance – clothes, hairstyle, etc. – may seem
to change unexpectedly at times;
- Your child may seem to experience sudden bursts of excitement
or disappointment.
If you encounter any of these scenarios, don’t worry. It is an
experience you’ll be sharing with many other parents – part of the
adjustment you, too, will need to make to your child’s life at
college.