As we begin creating new content for our followers, students, and their families, we are hoping to share the story from our Bear POWER Family Newsletter. Avery Brooks, Bear POWER Ambassador, has begun to provide tips and resources for the parents within our program. See the first piece of advice below and check out the full newsletter here!
Bear POWER Family Newsletter (9/17/2020)
Supporting Your Student From a Distance
Hi there! Welcome to the first installment of the Bear Power Parent Newsletter! For the next eleven weeks, we will be offering tips over different topics that you may have questions about as a parent to help settle your mind as your student transitions into college life. This week, our topic is How to Support Your Student from a Distance. While this topic is relevant for first-time parents of a college student, these unprecedented times have proven just how challenging this concept can be for guardians of university students. Thus, let’s dive right into some strategies you can use to help encourage your student during this trying period.
Tip #1: Transition from a coach to a cheerleader.
We understand that this is easier said than done, but this piece of advice is the foundation layer for the upcoming tips. As a parent of a student who is trying to navigate their newfound independence, it is imperative that you offer support and help while avoiding controlling their actions. When communicating with your student, ask questions to show interest in the new opportunities that they are exploring and really listen to what they are telling you rather than giving them too much guidance. At Bear Power, we are trying to encourage our students to make decisions independently, without the influence of those around them. This includes times when your student starts doubting themselves; in fact, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your cheerleading skills. It may be tempting to rush them back home when troubles arise, but by encouraging them to push forward, you are showing your student that you believe in them. Remember: even eagles need a little push out of the nest.
Tip #2: Limit communication.
Don’t worry; we are not telling you to cut all ties with your student. However, we highly recommend that you limit the number of phone calls, video chats, and text messages between you and your student to avoid developing a feeling of homesickness in your student. While all students may get touches of the homesick bug, constant communication from you to your student and create an overwhelming sense of longing for home that will affect how your student transitions into independent living; continually contacting your student instills a sense that they always need to reach out to their parents when a problem arises rather than problem-solving on their own. While you limit communication, we also recommend limiting the amount you talk about home life. By constantly mentioning things that are going on back home, your student may develop FOMO: Fear of Missing Out. We at Bear Power want the students to be excited about what is going on in their life on campus, not sad about what they could be losing out on back at home.
Tip #3: Validate their emotions.
While we want to teach our students how to cope with stress and feelings of anxiety, we also feel that it is important to acknowledge that how your student feels is normal. The last thing we want to do is make our students feel isolated or alone. Thus, we encourage you to remind your student that their emotions are understandable and warranted; these times during COVID are unstable and confusing, and it is completely normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed. After all, everyone is going through changes right now. However, do not allow your student to wallow in these feelings; encourage your student to find outlets to detox and release stressful feelings. This could include recommending your student to watch their favorite movie or encouraging them to seek on-campus help through the counseling center (We will be doing a separate newsletter about on-campus resources and stress management in the future, so be watching for those!). Simple suggestions like these can make all the difference in your student’s mental health and overall mood.
We hope these tips will help you navigate parenting a college student during this pandemic. Be on the lookout next week for our second topic: Letting Go/Letting Grow!