A Parents' Guide to the College Experience by Madge Treeger, a psychological counselor at Washington University in St. Louis, and Karen Coburn, Washington University's associate dean of students. Listen carefully when your son or daughter calls home. Be ready to offer a listening ear, advice and suggestions, but not decisions. Don't be alarmed with very frequent or infrequent calls home. Some students experience sharp pangs of homesickness and need the reassurance of frequent contact, while others go cold turkey, trying to establish the independence they need.
Most college students are still financially dependent on parents to some degree.
Sit down and discuss the family situation with your son or daughter. A letter in the mailbox can make anyone's day. Don't be overly concerned with career choices. Let your student have the opportunity to explore new possibilities. Recognize that kids change when they go away to college.