Going away to college is a huge thing. For some kids, it may be the very first time ever leaving home. You may worry about what’s going to happen to them in the “real world” and worry about what kind of influences they will have around them. While that is totally natural, you really need to be careful about how you approach that subject because it could totally backfire in your face if you’re not careful! Harlan Cohen, author of the bestselling college guide The Naked Roommate and parent college guide The Happiest Kid on Campus has some tips to help ease that transition for you. Don’t grill them with 20 questions, but instead find a comfortable time and place to have this discussion, perhaps weekend road trip, shopping trip, manicure, ballgame or something of the like.
Five Questions For Summer College Prep from Harlan Cohen
Five Questions For Summer College Prep
1. What would be your PERFECT first year in college?
This is about creating expectations. Without any expectations, students will just plop on campus and wait for everything to happen (also makes it easier to do unhealthy and regrettable things)
2. How do you plan on making this happen?
Try to get your son or daughter thinking about the activities, organizations, and opportunities available outside the classroom that help make them find connections to campus life.
3. Who are the people on campus who can help?
Have them think of five types of people who they can turn to for advice. These should be people who want them to win.
4. How much time are you going to give yourself to make it ALL happen?
Plant the seed that it can take a couple of years ? not weeks or months ? to make it happen. Help them set a realistic timeline, otherwise they?ll be set up for disappointment.
5. What can I do to help?
By asking, this sends a message that you are willing to help, but don?t assume they will need your help. Then go make plans to send lots of care packages (STUDENTS LOVE CARE PACKAGES)
Harlan Cohen is a bestselling author, nationally syndicated advice columnist (Help Me, Harlan!) and professional speaker who has visited over 400 college campuses. He has been featured as an expert in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition, and has been a guest on numerous radio and television shows, including NBC’s Today Show.
