As your students go off to college they are faced with real-world problems and issues which causes for extra support from their family members at home. For some students, this may be their first time away from home and are having a hard time adjusting to a new environment and for others may struggle with the fast pace day-to-day life of a college student. I know some family members may ask how do I support my children from miles away? The answer to that is every little thing counts. In this article, I will talk about ways family members can support their students in a variety of ways without even being in the same household.
Mentally/Emotionally
For some students, it takes them a little longer than others to adjust to the college atmosphere and being away from home. So there will be times when students may call their family members to seek guidance and comfort. For family members, this is a time for you to encourage them through words of approbation and reminding them of their full potential and abilities. As family members, you can also suggest campus resources like the counseling center, Dean of Students office or other safe places for you students to receive guidance and advice.
Physically
Supporting your students physically doesn’t have to only mean jumping into the car and driving to campus to see them every weekend. Physically supporting your students can include sending care packages and spontaneous gifts. Sending items like gift cards, letters, etc., lets your student know you’re thinking about them and shows you miss them just as much as they miss you. Also, sending spontaneous gifts may be the highlight of your student’s day and be the very thing that makes their day amazing. Nonetheless, it is still okay to visit your student from time to time. Prime times to visit your student on campus are Family Weekend, Fraternity and Sorority Mom’s and Dad’s Weekend, Spring Family Day or a weekend that fits both of your schedules.
(Trenell Morgan, the 2019-20 Family Assistant and a 2019 SOAR Leader, is a senior involved with Student Activities Council (After Hours Chair), University Ambassadors, and Xi Omicron Iota.)