How Often Should You Call Your College Student
There isn’t a proper answer to how often a parent should call their college student. It really depends on the relationship between the parent and the student. A helpful rule of thumb would be to check in with your college student at least once or twice a week, either by phone, text, email, or video chat. You know your child better than I do so use the mode of communication that will provide you with the best results.
Parents, here are some things to consider.
First, your child is now an adult and should be treated as such. They may not want you to check in on them all the time, or they may want more independence.
Secondly, they are likely going to be busy with classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. If you call too much, they may feel like you’re interrupting their life and they may start to resent you.
Lastly, it’s important to respect your child’s privacy. If they don’t want to share information with you, it’s probably because they don’t want to worry you. Trust that they can handle themselves and give them the space to grow up.
Give Them Time To “Miss You”
Dropping your student off at college can be a bittersweet moment. On the one hand, you’re excited for them to start this new chapter in their life. But on the other hand, you may feel a little sad and anxious about letting them go.
You may want to call them every day to check in, but resist the urge.
It’s important to give your student space to adjust to their new surroundings and miss you a little bit.
Not only will this help them with homesickness, but it will also allow them to form new friendships and independence. After a couple of days or so, you can start checking in but don’t overwhelm them with calls and texts.
It’s important not to be too overbearing when you do talk to them. Ask about their classes, how they like college so far, and what they’ve been up to.
Resist the urge to ask too many questions or give advice unless they ask for it. This is their time to learn and grow, and you want to provide them with the space to do that.
Now, during these few days, if your kid calls great. Talk to them. They may need a little more support, Parents, if your child does not call within those few days do not get your feelings hurt. This can be a great thing, too; it can mean your child is adjusting, meeting new people, and building a social circle.
If your child is going through a rough time and missing home. Be there and support them and talk as often as needed. As we know, some kids hit the ground running and others may take a while, but that is normal everyone is built the same. So don’t compare them to their friends that are in school or family members. Each person’s journey is different.
Let them enjoy their new life and experiences without constant contact from home.
Schedule The Best Time To Call
Finding time to call your child when they’re away at college with such a busy work schedule, studies, social life or other obligations can be tough. However, it’s crucial to stay in touch and let them know you’re thinking of them. Here are a few tips for scheduling time to call your child in college:
1. Make a schedule. Sit down with your child and figure out a good time for the both of you to chat. You could set aside an hour each week to talk. Or, you can agree to check in with each other every few days via text or email.
2. Set a regular time. Once you’ve established when you’ll talk, try to stick to that schedule as much as possible. If you have weekly calls, make sure you call at the same time each week. This will help your child feel connected to you and know that they can rely on you for support.
3. Be flexible. If something comes up where you or your kid can not talk during your regular call time, don’t worry. Just let your child know as soon as possible, so they’re not left waiting or worried. And, if they need to reschedule on their end, try to be flexible on yours as well.
Names & Numbers
Roommates:
As a parent, it’s always a good idea to have your college student’s dormmate’s name and number (or other college friends) in case of emergency.
This way, if something happens and you need to get in touch with your child quickly, you have a way to do so.
Let your student know that you will only use their roommate’s contact information in an emergency.
Old Friend:
Most of you should have the contact information of your kids childhood friends. This can be a great resource. Make sure to update their information before your kid leaves for school. Believe it or not, many high school friends keep in contact. So many times that could be a great place to start if you need information regarding your child’s whereabouts.
Parents:
It can be helpful to exchange contact information with the parents of your child’s roommate. This way, you can easily get in touch with each other if needed. Plus, it may give you peace of mind knowing that you can reach out to the other parent if needed. If you’re meeting the roommate’s parents for the first time, introduce yourself and exchange contact information. It’s also a good idea to ask about any allergies or medical conditions their child has so that you can be prepared in an emergency.
It can be a comforting thought to know that you can reach out to another parent if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s well-being.
Wellness Check:
In extreme circumstances, if you cannot contact your child and have exhausted all the provided contact numbers, you can reach out to the camp police and/or campus housing to conduct a wellness check.
Conclusion
Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re concerned about something specific. If you notice your child is struggling with their academics or seems lonely and homesick, reach out and offer your support. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of guidance from parents to help kids get back on track.
