Like I’ve mentioned before, college is rough sometimes. Students have to juggle many things at once, yet somehow get the most out of their college experience. Depending on the student, they have to balance any combination of classes, internships, extracurricular activities, work, social life, etc. There’s no one way to experience college. It’s a learning process for students that allows them to find the right combination of experiences for themselves. Now families can’t do their student’s homework or go to weekly meetings for them, but they can support their students through it all.
As a junior in college, I’ve experienced my fair share of rough weeks (some REALLLLLLY rough), but one thing that helps me get through it all is words/actions of encouragement from my friends and family. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture that makes all of your student’s friends jealous or breaks the bank. It could easily be something that you and your student share in common or an inside joke. Any kind of appreciation for your student will help them feel better while they’re stressing out about college life. After asking some friends about what their families do, I’ve come up with the Top 5 common ways to let your student know they’re loved.
- Texts
It’s a pleasant surprise when I wake up to a good morning text from my parents. Sometimes my brother or grandparents will text me telling me how proud they are of me, and it just makes my day. It doesn’t have to be a long paragraph that looks and sounds like a novel, but as long as it comes from the heart and lets the student know you’re thinking about them. Even a simple bitmoji will suffice, and probably give your students a good laugh.
- Letters/Cards
Getting mail is a surprise all in itself. I love seeing a bright envelope in my mailbox because it means that someone took time out of their day to get me a card and send it to me! A letter/card that isn’t even related to a holiday or event is even better. Just a “I’m thinking about you” or “hope you’re doing well” card gives college students a little reminder that even though both of your lives are busy, they’re on your mind!
- Phone Calls/FaceTime
A simple 3 to 5-minute phone call/FaceTime will give you and your student time to catch up with one another. I love being able to verbally tell my family the exciting things that are happening on my campus/in my life. Also, depending on your student’s schedule it will help them stay focused on their duties at college, while still being able to talk to you all back home. As I mentioned in another post, set up a weekly time to talk to one another, so you both have something to look forward to!
- Care Packages
DISCLAIMER: Care Packages are different for all families. It depends on time, energy, money, and the family dynamic in general. My mom used to be the best at sending care packages. My freshman year, she sent me a care package for each holiday. The packages typically included some candy/treats, a couple decorations (related to the upcoming holiday) that I could hang up in my suite, a gift card to Starbucks, and a card with a personal note. Now, my mom doesn’t do as much as she once did. Lately, she’ll send me smaller packages with an item that she bought because she knew I’d like it. Tip: if your student tells you they’re running low on something, send it to them in a care package with a fun treat to surprise them!
- Emails
I know this one might seem a little out there but hear me out! As a busy college student, I tend to check my email inbox more than I actually check my messages. My parents sometimes send me articles/links that remind them of me. When those emails pop up in my inbox, I can’t help but smile. (It’s the little things, ya know?) It’s a great conversation starter and it’s nice knowing that even though I’m not home, they still think of me!
It’s important for families to find the right fit for them when it comes to letting your student know they’re still loved when they’re not home. Students will appreciate any effort you make. They might not seem like it at first but trust me…they’ll appreciate it more than you think. The way you choose to tell your students you love them and how often you do it is completely up to you. Let me offer you some free advice though! Send extra love their way around the beginning, middle, and end of the semester. These times seem to be when stress peaks for students.
Love on your students whenever you can but remember to find a healthy balance for both of you!
~Lauren
Lauren VanNess is a member of the Missouri State University ’19 – Honors College with a Major: Public Relations and a Minor: Marketing; University Ambassadors; Welcome and Traditions Coordinator and Leader for SOAR 2018; Gamma Phi Beta Sorority; and the Vicki Stanton Public Speaking Showcase | Awards Coordinator 2017-2018; 2018 Fraternity & Sorority Woman of the Year.