Attending college is a significant milestone in a young person’s life. Congratulations on this momentous occasion. It’s a great chapter, but there’s no denying that it may be nerve-wracking. As you prepare for the first day of classes, take the time to prepare yourself not only academically, but also mentally and emotionally. You’ll be glad you did!
In this blog, we will advise our teenage children on how to be prepared for the college stage psychologically and emotionally, and you too, parents, will be advised on how to make your children ready for this stage and how you can help them.
Tips for You and Your Teenager
- Remind yourself that everything is new for everyone. College is a significant transition, and it’s critical not to become overwhelmed. To keep a level head, remind yourself that this is a period of transition for everyone, not just you. Accept the fact that you’ve entered a new phase of your life, one that will be unknown for a while.
- Make a firm commitment to time management. If there’s one definite method to make college difficult for yourself, it’s to delay and manage your time poorly. Start the year off right by committing to be more organized with your time and in your life. If you prefer, you can use digital tools and homework planning apps, or you can acquire a good day planner. The idea is to schedule your time so that you can do everything. Make a precise daily calendar that includes time for courses, assignments, studying, and other activities. Stay organized by planning ahead for the next day for a few minutes each evening.
- Be open to new experiences. College will open your eyes in a variety of ways. It’s a time to rediscover yourself, discover new hobbies, question old beliefs, and meet new people from different walks of life. So, go ahead and take a chance on something new. Join a club that sparks your interest. The goal is to challenge your thinking while also making the most of this period of your life. Accept the concept of exploration!
- Remind yourself that asking for help is perfectly acceptable. It’s great to approach everything new with a positive outlook, but life, as we all know, has its ups and downs. It’s critical to know where to seek assistance. Take a moment to look for on-campus options that can assist you, such as the tutoring center, disability services, counseling services, and any other services that can aid you when you need it. Learn to manage your stress effectively and surround yourself with a solid support system of friends and family.
- Spend time choosing a major. Many students enter college intending to declare a major as soon as possible, only to procrastinate and lose time (and tuition money). Keep in mind that you’re at college to lay a solid basis for your future job. The career services staff can assist you in exploring different jobs and majors to find the one that best fits your personality and aspirations. If you’re unclear what you want to do, pay them a visit early in your first semester.
How Can Parents Help Their Kids Prepare for Emotional Challenges Before College Starts
As a parent, you can’t accompany your child to the freshman dorm, but you can help them build a toolbox of skills and habits to use when they’re stressed or overwhelmed.
- To begin, try to stay away from solving problems for your teen. Instead, let them know you understand and are available to help. The idea is to reassure them that it’s alright to be unhappy and that you believe in their abilities to overcome difficult emotions and solve difficulties on their own.
- Practice mindfulness at home. Mindfulness is about paying attention to how you’re feeling in the present moment without passing judgment on yourself. It can assist teenagers in learning to control their emotions. You can also encourage your child to consider what they’ll do if they face difficulties in college. What kinds of complications might arise? If they were upset, who would they call?
- Finally, self-care is an important aspect of dealing with tough emotions. Assist you children in developing a toolkit of activities that they know can help them feel better. It could be something as simple as deep breathing, going for a run, or listening to music. Healthy habits might be difficult to sustain at college, so urge your teen to start developing them now.
Psychological and Mental Health in Purchase, New York
Our committed team of adolescent medicine specialists at BridgeSpan Medicine in Purchase, New York, provides the highest quality healthcare for teens and young adults. We offer you nonjudgmental, empathetic treatment and competence. Schedule your appointment online or call our office at (914) 698-5544.
