Going to university is an exciting time for young adults, but it is also a daunting one, and that is just as true for the parents! Seeing your child leave home and have to stand on their own two feet for the first time can be an emotional, often scary experience, but itâs important that you put the focus on your child and do what you can to support them on their journey. By doing so, not only will you help them, but you can help to control your own anxieties around the situation too.
With that in mind, here are some good ways you can help to support your child through university:
1. Help them access the best accommodation
Student digs arenât always known for being the most comfortable, and although it may do your kids good to not live in the lap of luxury for a few years, as a parent, one thing you can really do to support them is to help them find good student accommodation that is safe and practical for them. If they feel safe, theyâre more likely to thrive at uni, and you can relax a bit back at home.
2. Help them with their finances
If you are in a position to do so, topping up your childâs finances while theyâre at uni can be a great way to take the stress off them. That being said, they must learn the value of hard work, so do all you can to encourage them to get a part-time job. Another thing you can do to help them with their finances is to help them draw up a budget that works for them. This is one area you probably have more experience in, so it will really help them take good care of their finances while away studying.
3. Help them with emotional support
Being away from home for the first time can lead to a range of emotional issues including homesickness, stress and anxiety. Letting your child know that you are there for them come what may, and listening to them non-judgementally, will absolutely be one of the best things you can do to support them through those first early months at university.
4. Donât suffocate them
That being said, your kids need to learn independence, which means you shouldnât be on the phone with them every five minutes, well not unless they want you to anyway. You need to give them the time and space to find out who they really are, and the opportunity to solve their own problems. So, by all means, swoop in when they really need your help, but try not to be a helicopter parent, after all, theyâre adults now.
Supporting your child through university can be challenging sometimes but it will be much appreciated by them in the long-term, and it will help you come to terms with them flying the nest, so do your best and you will both benefit.