Tips for Parents

Give Them Space to Grow

Be attentive to your students’ needs, but not overly attentive. Listen to everything that is going on in their lives if they are willing to share. Give lots of encouragement and support while recognizing that their time in college is their time to develop into an independent critical thinker. Resisting the temptation to solve your students’ problems for them will be difficult for everyone, but will ultimately help them grow into mature individuals.

Never Underestimate the Value of "Snail" Mail

Most college students love getting mail. Sending newspaper clippings, photos, stories, cards, letters, and care packages can very easily make your students’ day and will help them still feel connected to home. Dining Services also offers Gift Packages to let your students know you’re thinking about them.

Encourage Your Student to Stay on Campus, Especially for the First Few Weekends

The temptation to go home will likely be strong for your students, and you’d likely love to have them visit. However, developing connections to the campus during the first few weeks of school are essential to creating a positive college experience. Instead of having them leave campus, offer to come visit and encourage them to take you to an event on campus such as a show or sports event.

Encourage Them to Find and Use the Campus Resources

If your students are having a problem, encourage them to find the people on campus that can help them. Again pointing them in the right direction will be much more helpful than picking up the phone and trying to solve the problem for them. Provide unlimited support and encouragement to them, reminding them of all the skills they have as they work on solving the problem.

Stress the Importance of Involvement

Your students will soon realize that there is more to college life than just classes. While they might need some time to adjust to the new rigors of college course work, encourage your students to explore the involvement possibilities on campus. Starting small by volunteering once a week or attending hall programs is a great way to start meeting new people and making the most of all the possibilities Cedar Crest affords.

Don't Shy Away from Difficult Conversations

Talking to your students about alcohol, drugs, money, sex, mental and physical health is incredibly important. Take the time while your students are still at home to remind them about the importance of making good decisions and remind them about the resources available on campus to help them learn more about these topics.