Tom Tozer and Bill BlackWe’ve both experienced kids going off to college, so we know full well that parents never totally stay out of the way when it comes to their kid facing a life-changing experience.
If nothing else, in many cases we try to keep our distance and simply lose precious sleep. We worry. We fret. We just know college life would be much better for our son or daughter if we were there to offer a hug, provide a reassuring word, or intervene with the professor.
In most cases, however, it’s time to allow your baby to grow up.
There is a place for parents to stick their noses in when it comes to the transition from high school to college. Financial decisions – grants, scholarships and loans – warrant parental involvement. A son or daughter’s kneejerk decision to drop a class can have ramifications (like losing financial aid or keeping them on your health insurance) that require parents to quickly hoist a red flag.
Even more, when the academic rigors appear overwhelming after three weeks, a teen may decide life was easier bagging groceries back home. When the phone call comes – “Dad, I want to come home, college isn’t for me” – both dad and mom need to have a serious conversation with junior, and with each other.