So, mom and dad, you wave goodbye as your not-so-little-one heads off to University, happy that you’ve equipped them to make their way in life.
“This is going to be the best days of their lives, they get to be independent, make new friends and learn more about themselves and their interests” – but the reality could be quite different.
It is a time of enormous change and readjustment: new lifestyles, new study demands, and coping with the pressures and opportunities of greater independence… Daunting, even for the most confident young adult!
Here’s the thing: Students think that Uni’s got to be wonderful. Students share their “best bits” on social media and if your child’s expectations are not met, he/she feels worse because it seems as if everyone else is having the time of their lives. It is totally normal for this transition to be VERY DIFFICULT. Navigating their way around campus, trying to make new friends, and maybe living without their family for the first time, can be very hard.
The good news is that most students eventually handle the transition from school to University well, dipping into newly found freedom and (hopefully!) balancing it with an increased sense of responsibility. Yes, it takes time, but the majority of young people grow dramatically because of it.
This could, understandably so, be very hard for parents watching their teen go through this difficult transition. Should you help? And how do you help without coming to the “rescue”?
It will take time for your student to accept that being happy, sad, confused, liked and disappointed are all part of growing up. While it’s true that a happy life comes from positive emotions, it also comes from resilience. Good luck on this new journey!
Source: www.theguardian.com, www.thedailymail.co.uk, www.sussex.ac.uk, greatergood.berkeley.edu, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.dad.info, johanfourie.wordpress.com, www.sowetanlive.co.za, university.which.co.uk, parents.uchicago.edu, parents.stanford.edu, parent.wisc.edu, warren.ucsd.edu
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.