No matter what age and grade they are, our kids still need our guidance—that goes for our college kids, too! As they embark on a new chapter in their lives as freshmen, or as they prepare to return for sophomore, junior or senior years, they still need to hear from parents.
A few of the challenges our new college students will face include new living environments, different choices, new friends, possible distance from parents and tackling new day-to-day obstacles independently. Returning students face the rigor of challenging classes, internships and overall preparation for what they will do after graduation. We not only want our college kids to be prepared to safely handle these scenarios, but also the situations involving drugs and alcohol.
Even though your interaction with your “away-at-school” kids might shift toward texting, e-mails and video chats, or interaction becomes more limited with those living at home and commuting, you can still make a difference and influence their choices when it comes to drug and alcohol use.
According to new research conducted by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health and shared by The Partnership at DrugFree.org, “College students who hear warnings about binge drinking from family or friends are more likely to be concerned about their own alcohol use, compared with their classmates who don’t hear such advice, a new study suggests.” (Check out the full story.)
Here are 3 Ways Parents Can Help:
- Stay educated about what’s in their world. As you know from your college kid’s time growing up, the risks they’re exposed to change with age and with trends.
- Keep in touch. Even though you might not be seeing them face-to-face as often, stay in tune with how they sound when you do talk to them and aware of any negative changes.
- Talk: There’s a lot of information out there, so initiate the discussions with your kids to be the source of accurate information.
Wishing you and your college student a happy and safe year ahead!
