Starting college, while exciting, can also be a stressful time for both students and parents. There is an abundance of guides that help ease the process for the students, but helpful tips for parents are somewhat limited. Below are a few tips for parents with children about to embark on their next stage in life, college.

• Monitor your child’s grades. Usually during orientation, students will be asked to sign a waiver allowing their grades to be sent home or at least be available to their parents for viewing. Make sure that your child allows their grades to be available to you. Be firm: no transcript, no money. Most colleges won’t automatically report a child’s grades to parents because of federal privacy laws. This will allow you to monitor their progress and step in if they are stuggling.
• Keep the lines of communication open. Yes, college is a growing stage for your child. A time to spread his/her wings. For most families this is also the first time that your child is living away from home. Therefore, this is a critical time for parents to make sure that you keep in touch with your child, and frequently at that. They will most likely be contacting you often as well. In a time where cell phones and instant messaging are practically their lifeline, contact with home is no longer considered overly dependent. Even well-adjusted students phone their parents for quick laundry-room instructions or company on a late-night walk back to the dorm.
• Visit your child at college. Visit for lunch, dinner, or just a quick “hello, how’s everything”. It is important that you visit so that your family ties remain strong, no matter what your distance apart may be. Make sure that you call first because you don’t want your child to feel that you are spying on them or trying to catch them doing something they shouldn’t be. College is a time for parents to grow with their child as well, and that means respecting their new found independence and treating them as young adults.
• Manage your child’s money. It is critical to set up a monthly budget at the start of college. It is very likely that the budget may need to be readjusted after the first semester once the student realizes their spending needs. Many colleges provide debit accounts on ID cards which can be used anywhere from the university bookstore to the cafeteria. If students sign a privacy waiver, parents can receive a statement listing all transactions on a college debit card. Knowing your child’s spending history is also an easy way to know how much money needs to be budgeted each month.
• Surprise your child with something special. Letters and care packages are a great way to say “I’m thinking of you”. Many colleges offer an array of care packages that you can send your child, including everything from snacks and treats to special occasion baskets. Anything personal from your family is a thoughtful reminder to let your child know you are thinking about him/her.