Resources for Parents

            "There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children.

                                         One is roots; the other is wings."

                                                       ~Hodding Carter

The transition from high school to college is yet another turning point in your son's or daughter's life. It is exciting, challenging, stressful, unpredictable, difficult, exhilarating - so many adjectives to describe a tumultuous time.  However, it is different for each person, and while some students relish the opportunities that their new-found independence brings, other students are dealing with either existing or newly-emerging emotional difficulties.

These emotional issues can prevent your student from achieving the academic and social successes that you so hope for your son or daughter.  Aside from normal developmental issues that each college student will face (forming their identity, developing relationships with peers, and separation and individuation from family & home environment), additional stressors are involved with roommates, homesickness, fitting in, taking exams, choosing a major, financial difficulties, managing time, increased freedom and responsibility, ever-changing technology, and competition.

The Proactive Parent - www.transitionyear.org

• emotional issues are a leading reason students struggle in college
• emotional health is a critical part of the college transition
• educate yourself on the issues of emotional distress so that you can notice signs of a larger problem
• if your son/daughter appears to have a problem, address it quickly and encourage them to seek help
• the healthy coping skills students learn in college will help them to adjust to life after college as well

To help your child, we recommend:

• don't panic
• be prepared for change & struggles
• offer encouragement & support, but try not to hover
• stay in touch
• listen carefully
• be realistic
• don't take over their responsibilities

What about confidentiality?

The Counseling Center recognizes that parents are concerned about their child's well-being, and your urging your child to seek help on campus is a first step.  However, as Licensed mental health professionals, our staff is ethically bound to keep what is discussed in a therapy session confidential.  The best source of information about the counseling process is often the student.  If more information is required, your son or daughter must sign a written release specifically giving the Counseling Center permission to speak with you.   Although the Counseling Center cannot provide you with whatever transpires in your child's therapy sessions, you, as a parent, are welcome to call our office to share your concerns and to get answers to general questions about on-campus services.

The following two websites offer more detailed information for parents of college students:

My Student Body  ( Parent School Code: monarchparent )

Transition Year - Parents