How to emotionally prepare your child (and yourself) for college

It seems like time went so fast — you blinked and now your baby is 18, ready to leave the safety of the nest to pursue their college dreams. By now you’ve tapped more experienced parents to get tips about everything from college applications to dorm room necessities, but what about the emotional, and even financial, side of leaving home?

According to a research from New York University, this changing phase of life should be a time when parents talk with their children about the realities of college life as college freshman will be confronted with abundant pressures, including new social situations. “With respect to academics, students today are feeling increasing pressure to know what they want to do, pick a career path and plan for their futures,” the research cites. This month-by-month guide can help.

March

Help enhance problem-solving skills

A lack of problem-solving skills has been linked to mental health problems, such as depression and suicidality, says Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, a psychotherapist and psychology professor at Northeastern University, and author of “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do.” “It’s important to ensure your teen knows how to solve her own problems before she heads off on her own,” she says. “College students who don’t know what to do when they encounter problems, like they’re struggling with a tough class or not getting along with their roommate, will either avoid the problem altogether or make a snap decision that could be harmful.”

March is a key time to review problem-solving strategies. Rather than focusing on solutions, she advises, talk about the process for solving problems. “State the problem, brainstorm at least five potential solutions, review the pros and cons of each, pick a solution, and see if it works,” Morin continues. “Reviewing that with your teen — and practicing it — could make a huge difference in your teen’s college life.”

April

Talk about strategies to manage uncomfortable emotions

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health cites most college students say they were academically prepared for life beyond high school. But, the research says, 60% of them say they weren’t emotionally prepared for college life. College students don’t know how to deal with anger, frustration, loneliness, fear, or disappointment, says Moris. “Help your teen identify concrete coping skills he can use in college,” advises Morin. “Calling a friend, working out, writing in a journal or engaging in a hobby might be strategies that help him regulate his emotions in a healthy way. Teens who lack healthy coping skills may turn to food — or drugs and alcohol — to deal with their discomfort.”

May

Encourage taking positive action

Make sure your teen recognizes that she has the power to make a difference. “Although this can be a busy time for a graduating senior, show your teen that she’s never too busy to make an impact,” says Morin. Whether it’s volunteer at a soup kitchen or assisting an elderly neighbor who needs a little help with yard work, share how positive action impacts his community. “Pitch in as a family, but make it clear to your teen that when he’s in college, he’ll need to recognize the steps he can take to make the world a bit better and then take those steps on his own,” adds Morin.

June

Inspire awe

As high school wraps up, many teens grow fixated on their futures. And for many of them, the world seems like a small place. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, found awe teaches young people that their problems are fairly insignificant in the grand scheme of life. So whether your teen is convinced she picked the wrong college or she’s stressed out about what type of roommate she’s going to live with, inspiring awe will help her put things in perspective, says Morin. So get out for a hike, take a vacation to a new place or encourage them to read about people who have overcome hurdles and went on do great things.

July

Boost their confidence to stand their ground

Pam Andrews, a college admissions coach and scholarship strategist in Delaware, says one of the most important things for them for college-bound students to learn is how to say “no.”

“College is full of peer pressure and without you there to do it for them, they will have to stand up for themselves,” she says. “Teach them that they do not have to feel obligated or pressured to fit in with the crowd.”

According to research from Temple University in Philadelphia, teenagers don’t always grasp the gravity of consequences. “They think they are invincible, and they want to impress their friends,” the research cites. Temple researchers also found teens take significantly more risks, and are more responsive to potential rewards, when other teenagers are around than when they are by themselves.

July

Encourage goal-setting

Discuss concrete goals for the academic year. “And remember, goals don’t have to revolve around grades. Establish goals for staying healthy, making friends and managing stress too,” says Morin.

She suggests that your teen write down his goals, and encourage your teen to evaluate his progress throughout the school year. “Talk about what he can do when he feels he isn’t meeting his goals and how he can boost his chances of success,” she adds.

August

It’s time to let go

College is a time for differentiation, individuation and personal development, says Jill Shipley, managing director of family dynamics and education at Abbot Downing in Palm Beach, FL. Both parents and children in today’s world can consider each other best friends and losing that constant connectivity can be tough for both sides. “That being said, it is not healthy to talk multiple times a day, text nonstop or come home every weekend to be with parents,” she says. “College is an opportunity for self-exploration and development. As tough as this can be try hard to provide your child the wings they need to develop. Trust they already have strong roots.”

Other issues for parents to consider

Stay on a financial timeline

In early spring, Lyle Wolberg, CFP, a wealth adviser and founding partners of Telemus in Southfield, Michigan, says it’s to get your financial plan in order. College decisions are due by May 1 but by now your child knows where they have been accepted, denied or deferred. “Most scholarship money has also been granted for each school. This is the month where you really need to sit down with pen and paper and map out each of their choices.” If they are going to have to take out a loan or work during school then tell them now, advises Wolberg. “Most colleges have a good idea of all tuition, living, book and entertainment costs for students attending,” he says. “Take advantage of friends and relatives that have kids at the schools your child is thinking of attending to get a ‘real life’ example of all the costs you can expect.”