Tips For Parents

Some suggestions to prepare you for the next four years.

From Student To Parent

• There is more to college than studying and going to classes.
• Care packages and letters are wonderful!
• In going away to college, I won't forget the values and morals you instilled in me.
• I need to have the chance to learn from my own mistakes.
• You shouldn't call the university on my behalf: I should do it myself.
• I need words of encouragement when things are not going well.
• Most students change their major at least once.
• It's hard to ask for money or help, but I appreciate it when offered.
• Coming home for breaks and holidays is a big adjustment for all of us!
• I am stressed during midterms and finals, so don't take it personally when I am grumpy.
• We can become closer even though I have moved away.
• And, yes, I am taking my medicine, brushing my teeth, staying healthy, wearing a sweater, and I miss you just as much as you miss me!

• Nobody paid attention when you explained how to do laundry!
• You aren't being a bother by calling; they love to hear from you.
• Your son or daughter is actually leaving home, not just going on vacation!
• When students call with problems, it's better to provide support and a listening ear than to supply solutions.
• E-mail is a great way to keep in touch; it is easy, fast, and cheap!
• When students come home to visit, they will want to spend time with friends.
• College students always want money!
• You should not get discouraged when you hear about many of the "bad" experiences at first, because things get much better.
• There are places for students to go if they need to talk to someone.
• Your son or daughter will turn out just fine even if you don't worry about him or her all the time.
• Students going home with roommates for a long weekend is a fairly common thing to do.
• All students like to receive mail, especially on holidays!
• You should plan a trip to Hays about a month before the summer break to begin to cart things home; it makes moving out much easier!