• Expect changes in relationships with parents, such as more “adult to adult” communication, but continue to provide guidance and support.
  
• Encourage a balanced lifestyle of academic and social involvement.
  
• Stay in contact through e-mail, cards, and phone calls, but don’t expect to talk every day. Send lots of care packages!!
  
• Maintain trust by allowing your son or daughter to make decisions and solve problems independently.
  
• Before your son or daughter leaves home, discuss health and safety, clarifying your views about alcohol, drugs, and sexual conduct.
  
• Encourage your student to use campus resources.
  
• Praise academic success—hope for the B, accept the C, celebrate the A!!
  
• Send important medical information, such as medical history, insurance cards, prescriptions, and physicians’ phone numbers.
  
• Determine an appropriate amount of money allocated each month and discuss budgeting. Avoid credit cards, if possible!
  
• Try to visit the school at least once each semester, especially on Family Weekend.
  
• Preserve your child’s bedroom as their space for visits home.
  
• Maintain family traditions and holiday rituals with your son or daughter.
  
• When your son or daughter comes home, make it a special time, with favorite foods and activities.
  
• Celebrate your young adult’s independence—you helped him or her achieve it!!

Anonymous