How to Help Your Older Child Mentally Prepare for College

College is a huge step for young adults as they begin to explore their independence. Although independence is, no doubt, vital for their personal growth, it can be challenging for them to navigate life’s difficulties on their own. And this is especially the case for children who’ve grown accustomed to their support system at home due to homeschooling.

That said, as a parent of a college-bound student, it’s crucial to equip your child with the knowledge and skills they need to handle adversities healthily. And here are some tips to help you do just that:

Explore Different Stress Management Techniques

College can be a stressful time as your child begins to balance heavy academic workloads and personal responsibilities. So, before these challenges arrive, please help your child find stress management techniques that best suit their specific needs.

To illustrate, my article on coping with stress and anxiety suggests that deep breathing techniques may help during anxiety attacks. Your child can do this by taking a deep breath, waiting for three seconds, and then breathing out.

Journaling is another excellent technique that your child can try. This allows them to write down their thoughts and emotions in a private space. Journaling feels freeing, as it enables the writer to express themselves without being judged.

Of course, these are only some examples of stress management techniques. You can look into other methods and try each one to find out which ones work for your child so that they are better equipped once they encounter challenges in college.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

College can be a lonely experience, especially if your child is moving away from home for the first time. And even though they may want to practice more independence during this stage, remind them that it’s okay to reach out and ask for help.

Universities often have in-house counselors who are qualified to handle students and their stress-related problems. By consulting such professionals, you can help your child take a more active role in caring for their mental health. Plus, it gives them a reliable support system away from home.

How to Manage Finances 

Whether you like it or not, money management is going to be a massive part of your child’s college life. And your child may find it challenging to manage their own money, especially since tuition and other fees in four-year colleges and universities are rising 19 times faster than the median family income.

Unfortunately, most parents don’t talk to their kids about money, so they’re left unprepared for the reality once they have to pay the bills. Many parents don’t realize that the state of one’s finances has a significant impact on their well-being. And in the case of college students, debt is a considerable weight that can prevent them from excelling in their studies.

That said, don’t make the same mistake and discuss how your child can manage their finances. Since they’re moving away from home, please give them guidance on budgeting for daily necessities like bills and groceries.

There are plenty of financial management apps that they can use to keep track of their expenses. Additionally, make sure they know that they can reach out to you for advice or even financial aid. These measures can help your child worry less about finances and more about their schoolwork.

Your homeschooled child may find it difficult to move away from home, so you must aid in their transition to college. Help them prepare by imparting valuable advice on maintaining their mental health. And, of course, don’t forget to be there for them as they go through the ups and downs of college life.

Exclusively written for AshleyYeo.com

By: Raynne Jarrica

Stress Assessment For College Students And Anyone Facing Stress

Make the Most out of Your Planner With These Tips!

November Coloring Page Printables

Money Journal For Marvelous Money Mindset

How Can a Teacher Inspire a Student?