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7 Ways You Can Support Your Child When They Move to University

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University can be a stressful time for both students and their parents. But it doesn’t have to be a fearful, anxious experience. Helping your child find their feet in this new phase of their life will not only ease the transition but also prove beneficial long-term. So whether you’re preparing them to go away to university or they’ve just started, there are many ways you can support your child and make sure they feel ready to take on this exciting new chapter. 

Talk it over

If you have a child soon to leave the nest, now is the perfect time to talk to them about the move and their plans. This will help them focus on their academic studies and better prepare for their course. It’s also a chance for you to get your child to think about what they want from their future. This can help your child prepare mentally for the transition and be better prepared to take on the challenges that are coming.

Help them get used to living away from home

Moving away from home is a big step. The transition from living under your roof to having to fend for themselves and make their own decisions will be a considerable change. You can help your child get used to the new lifestyle and reduce any homesickness they may feel. One way you can do this is by talking to your child about what university life will be like. You can also help your child get used to their new surroundings by familiarizing them with their university's location. If your child is living in a student house, you can also help them get to know their housemates.

Be a listening ear

Being a listening ear isn’t just about being there to provide reassurance and support. It’s also about being open to listening to what your child has to say. You may feel that you know everything there is to know about being a parent, but university is a whole new experience for both parties. Your child may also be feeling a little apprehensive about going to university, but they may not feel ready to open up about their fears. So, use this as an opportunity to be a listening ear and help your child feel more comfortable with their decision. Even if your child is not new to student life and is a grad student, as James Dolan was, life can get very stressful, and sometimes a good catch-up with a parent can make all the difference.

Be available if they need anything

Your child is now an adult and responsible for their own actions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be there if they need you. If your child is feeling homesick or struggling to find their way in a new city, they may not feel comfortable asking you for help. You can help your child to feel more comfortable receiving support by setting aside time for them. You can also let your child know that you’re there if they need anything.

Help them establish good habits now

Although you may want to let your child start university life independently, now is the perfect time to help them establish good habits. You can ensure your child is eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated. It's also a good idea to encourage your child to get restful sleep. A healthy sleep pattern will not only help them stay healthy, but it will also help them to stay focused on their studies. You can also help your child to establish good studying habits. [For example, you could encourage them to integrate online study tools that provide extra reading materials like this document in Biology that helps them to learn more effectively.]

Take care of yourself

As well as helping your child transition to university life, it's essential to make sure that you are doing okay too. You may feel emotional about your child leaving home, and you're not alone. You can help make the transition a little easier by keeping in touch with your child while at college. You can do this by making sure that you have access to a reliable internet connection. This will also mean that you can keep tabs on how your child is doing and if they need any support or assistance. If you're anxious or worried about your child attending university, you mustn't bottle it up. Instead, seek out help from friends and family.

How can I support my child who is going to college? University, Parenting, Take Care of Yourself, How can I help my child develop good habits for university? Support, Be Available, Listen, Student Life

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