How can parents actively support their children decision in collegewhen they are concerned with safety issues by blogger Jade

I myself have never sent a child of my own off to college, but I am sure it is not an easy task for a parent.  For parents I would assume that it is easy to allow one’s mind to wonder about their fresh on campus offspring.  Frat parties, stress of new academic challenges, and the endless thoughts of things that could go wrong.   This is a new and exciting time for a student’s freedom to be who they are, less structure, no curfew.  It can be also be a time for a relationship between parent and child to grow.

First off I feel most importantly keep the lines of communication open.  Now I do remember my mom calling me quite frequently especially in the first semester.  It did become quite annoying, but along with phone calls there were gift packages and visits to campus.  I lived off those gift packages it was amazing to get mail as a college student.  I am not proponing spoiling a freshmen but a card, text, or a phone message, lets them know your thinking about them.  It can cause a teen to reach out to mom or dad when they have had a bad day or a good day.  It keeps the communication flowing.

These new freedoms and new experiences can also help nurture a relationship.  I remember my last two years of high school were a nightmare for me and my mom ahhh! When I went to college four hours away I had a chance to miss her.  She also after sometime let me take the reins at home and plan my time.  I think for young adults and their parents there is an adjustment period after a child leaves the family and starts college.  Parents are used to calling the shots and that can be hard when the coed comes home and is used to this new found freedom. 

I can honestly say going to college helped me find new friends in both of my parents.  It can be a rocky slope with a huge amount of trust involved but it can turn into a really great adventure for all parties involved.  Also if parents are concerned about safety issues on campus a campus visit is a great way to get to know the campus.  Checking out the dorm and safety measures that are implemented on campus, can ease both parents and the student minds.