As summer comes to a close, many anxious parents are preparing for their children to leave the nest and see what college life has to offer for the first time.
Dean of Student Life at Paul Smith’s College, Christine Brennan, has some tips for parents to keep in mind during this next chapter.
Stay connected, but don’t hover.
A weekly phone call or text can mean the world to your student. At the same time, giving them space to navigate college life independently helps them become more self-reliant.
Let them solve the small problems
Whether it’s a roommate disagreement, a missed assignment, or learning how to do laundry, these everyday challenges help build confidence and resilience. Be their biggest supporter, but give them room to grow.
Encourage involvement early
Students who join clubs, outdoor adventures, campus events, or volunteer opportunities often find their community faster. At Paul Smith’s College, the connections made outside the classroom are just as valuable as those made inside it.
Help your student find the right balance
AI is changing higher education and the workplace. Encourage your student to be curious about it and, if they use it, to do so responsibly, but remind them that lasting confidence comes from doing the work themselves and learning through real experiences and investing in strong relationships.
Let the outdoors be part of the education
Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Encourage your student to embrace opportunities outside, where experiences in nature help build leadership, resilience and teamwork while boosting mental health and sharpening focus.
Celebrate progress, not perfection
College is about growing academically, personally, and professionally. Every challenge overcome and every milestone reached is part of preparing your student for life beyond graduation, so don’t fixate on the mistakes and missteps along the way.
Destigmatizing asking for help
College can be challenging, and every student faces moments when they need guidance, clarification, or encouragement. One of the most important messages we can share with students is that asking for help is a sign of self-awareness, initiative, and a commitment to growth.
Encourage your student to see help as a resource. Support can come in many forms: a conversation with a professor, guidance from a staff member or advisor, or simply reaching out to a friend or peer.