October Issue
Time of Transition
Classes are officially underway! Some of your students have been on campus since mid-August due to their involvement in sports, band, or other extra-curricular activities. No doubt, you are wondering what they're doing, how they're getting along, and so forth. As a parent, you have been there from their first steps to their first college experience. This is definitely a time of transition for both you and your student.
Transitions are usually difficult. We are creatures of habit and usually prefer circumstances to remain calm and predictable. As I watch my own children grow, I struggle with conflicting feelings. Part of me wants them to stay young while another part of me realizes that they really need to grow up. As I said, transitions can be tough.
You have already realized that one of the things that will change is the communication (and the nature of the communication) between you and your student. If your son/daughter is living on campus, you will not be able to see every part of his/her life. It is time to trust the instincts and positive values that you have instilled in him/her. Students who feel trusted by their parents have more self-confidence, can stand up for their beliefs, knows they have support back home, and are better able to say "no" when the situation warrants.
Just because your student is away at college doesn't mean that he no longer needs you to be involved in his life. Communication between you and your student is still very important. In fact, his success depends on it. The key is communicating without being too intrusive. Here are some suggestions I found in a publication from PaperClip Communications:
- Don't make conversations feel like "quizzes."
- Instead of always focusing on grades, ask your student what he is learning in class. That takes the pressure off and allows him to share exciting information.
- If your student mentions a new person's name, just casually ask about that person ("So, Sam is a friend from...?") rather than drilling for details.
- Don't always ask where they were if they weren't in when you called.
- Ask what they're getting involved in and what interests them so far.
- Let them share their enthusiasm.
Let me add one more thing since it's early in the semester. Homesickness is real. Be sure to let your son/daughter know that most people go through homesickness. This time of transition can be a struggle for them. However, if they will persist through it, they will mature and grow in the process. Let them know that you support them and that you want them to stick it out. Tell them that you believe in them. I believe you will see positive results.
Go Cru!
Important Dates Coming Up
October 7: Randy Travis in concert with special guest Jessica Andrews at UMHB's Mayborn Campus Center. For ticket information, call (254) 295-5054.
October 27-28: UMHB's Family Weekend. For more information, go to www.umhb.edu/parents.