Now it's Time for Them to Fly
The time of year that most parents dread, the last summer before their child goes off to college. This life transition can feel overwhelming for both the parent(s) and the child. Furthermore, this change can feel empowering to both parent(s) and child because it's a symbol that YOU BOTH DID THE THING. As a parent you can feel proud of your child for entering into the next chapter of their lives, and know that you raised your child to take on each success or failure with grace. Now the child could feel a sense of pride for "finally getting some independence" and even some fear to move away from home (yes even if they don't want to admit it). The good news that both the parent(s) and the child are feeling the feelings together. Now let's talk about how we communicate to each other.
Tips for Empowering each other through the College Transition:
1. Be Active Listeners- Providing an "open door" policy can empower your child to come to you about excitement and maybe even hard moments in your Childs life.
2. Educate Yourself- As a parent raising Gen Z can feel daunting because technology is playing a significant role in these kids lives. Knowing what is available to them, can be an incredible way to relate to your child, and also a conversation starter about what other students are feeling about the college transition. Ex: Listening to a Tik Tok about someone else's account of the transition to college. Potentially sending that to your child, and that can be a window to a conversation starter.
3. Encouraging Your Child to Find Extracurricular Activities Outside of Academia: The best way to help maintain a 360 approach to wellness is teaching your child that there must be balance amongst school and wellness. Joining a tennis club at school, student government club, and or a sorority. Anything to show your child that there is life outside of School/Workplace can be a powerful tool to maintain a 360 approach as they grow up, and head into adulthood.
4. Explore Opportunities for Seeking Help: Where can your child turn to for help in the event that something horrible happens. In the words of my father "Bad things can happen to good people, so we must plan". Where can your child seek therapy, and who is the person to go to when there is a crisis at their school? Identifying that person, and creating a working relationship with that person can empower your child during challenging times.
5. Now it's time for them to fly: Trust that you have provided your child with the tools to handle turbulence. Life is a wave and trust that your child can persevere and demonstrate fortitude during times of adversity. Remember that you are a call away from them.
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Take Care Besties,
Fortify Wellness
