The Game Plan: Things to Decide Before or During the First Week of College
Sending your child off to college is a significant milestone, not just for them but for you as well. As parents, this transition brings a mix of emotions and new responsibilities. While your child is busy navigating their new environment, there are several important decisions you’ll need to make to support them and ensure a smooth start to their college journey. From setting communication expectations to planning financial logistics and understanding their academic schedule, these early decisions can help both you and your child feel more prepared and connected during this exciting time. Here’s a guide to the key considerations parents should keep in mind before or during the first week of college.
Monthly Allowance: Decide on a budget for extra food, gas, and personal expenses.
Grade Point Expectations: Set expectations for maintaining a certain GPA. Make clear the consequence of this not happening.
Dropping a Class: Discuss when and how to inform parents if they’re considering dropping a class.
Medical and Prescriptions: Determine who will be in charge of managing and refilling prescriptions.
Books and School Supplies: Decide who will handle purchasing books and supplies each semester.
Texting Back: Set expectations for timely responses when parents call or text.
Weekly Check-Ins: Establish a regular time each week to catch up and check in on how things are going.
Holiday Plans: Plan out when they’ll come home for holidays and how travel will be arranged.
Grade Status: Set up a weekly or bi-weekly check-in to discuss grades and academic progress.
Attending Football Games: Decide if parents will attend college football games or other events.
Parent Weekend: Discuss whether parents will visit for parent weekend or other campus events.
Monthly Needs List: Create a system for sending a list of needed items once a month (or as needed).
Communication with Grandparents/Extended Family: Set expectations for keeping in touch with grandparents or other family members.
Final Grades: Agree on whether parents will see final grades each semester. How will this happen and what portal parents need to be aware of.
Social Media Etiquette: Discuss what’s appropriate to share on social media and what should stay private. Let your kids know (again) that what they post will follow them for the rest of their lives.
Budgeting for Social Activities: Decide on a budget for social activities, outings, and entertainment.
Car Usage: Set expectations for how often they can use the car, and if they’re allowed to travel with it. Discuss any rules about who can ride with them and where they’re allowed to go.
Weekend Getaways: Make it clear that any weekend getaways or road trips need to be discussed with parents beforehand.
Car Maintenance: If they have a car, decide who will handle maintenance and unexpected repairs.
Roommate Issues: Establish a plan for how to handle any conflicts or issues with roommates.
Personal Emergencies: Decide on a protocol for handling personal emergencies and when to involve parents.
Campus Resources: Encourage the use of campus resources like counseling, tutoring, and academic advising.
Summer Plans: Start discussing potential summer jobs, internships, or plans early on.
These decisions help set clear expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page as your child navigates their first year of college. Remember, I’m here if/when you need me. Parenting a new college student can be difficult to navigate but you are not alone! If you are struggling right now, let’s talk. You can book an in-person or virtual visit.
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