Academic Advisor has 12 Things She Wants to Tell College Parents

Suggestions for Parents from an Academic Advisor:

1. Encourage your teens to solve problems on their own before seeking help.
2. Avoid texting your child constantly; let them set the communication tone.
3. Use the university’s parent page for basic information, not to complain about the institution.
4. Encourage involvement in clubs and professional societies for social connections.
5. Advise them to treat college like a full-time job with a 40+ hour workweek.
6. Ensure students with academic accommodations are registered to receive necessary services.
7. Encourage engagement with professors for academic support. Encourage your children to interact with their professors by attending office hours and actively engaging in class discussions. Encourage them to address any issues directly with their professors or advisors, instead of involving higher authorities. Remind them to utilize all the resources available at their university to seek help before they feel overwhelmed.

Emphasize the importance of time management and encourage them to schedule downtime for activities that bring them joy and balance. Encourage them to be open to new experiences and push themselves outside their comfort zone occasionally.

Hold your children accountable for their actions and normalize the idea of failure as a learning opportunity. Remind them that struggles are temporary and valuable lessons can be learned from them. Share your own experiences of overcoming challenges to inspire and support them.

Overall, ensure that your children receive the support and guidance they need to navigate their college experience successfully. Encourage them to seek help when needed and remind them that they deserve to have a positive and fulfilling academic journey.