«It seems like yesterday that they needed me so much….»

Your role as a parent evolves, but your child still needs you and your support!

Even if your role has changed and you have less influence in their life, a new relationship is developing with your child and you are able to support them in a way that is relatively different but still quite gratifying…

Refer to the Guidance for my child  section for tips and advice on how to better support them.

Arrival at university is often synonymous with honeymoon. Everything is new: the schedule, usage of their time, courses, professors, classmates, student life, etc. New students are therefore generally enthusiastic and anxious to begin their university studies.

Adapting

After a few weeks however, the difficulties related to adapting and integrating may appear and disinterest, isolation, fatigue or even doubt may replace the keen interest they had in the beginning.

Develop strategies

Since at some point students learn to develop strategies as they need them, they can address the different services offered to help them overcome these difficulties. This is how they succeed at adapting and integrating into their new life at school. It is therefore important to encourage students to give themselves the necessary time to experience their transition and adapt to their new environment. The duration of this transition varies from one person to the next.

Many young people that register for university are not certain which field interests them. This indecision is completely normal, but it can be a difficult experience.

Tips…

Listen to and encourage your child to consider their interests and skills when choosing their program. At university, it will be possible for them to consult guidance counselling services or academic advisers to help them make a proper choice.

Some useful advice

  • Encourage your child to give themselves the time and patience they need to adapt.
  • Encourage them to adopt and keep a positive attitude, even in difficult moments.
  • Suggest that they consult their academic adviser or guidance counsellor when they demonstrate uncertainty regarding their program or career choices.

As parents you continue to play a crucial role in your children’s success in university, but in a new way. Your support, your unconditional love and your confidence in them will give them the wings they need to rise to their new challenges!

Points to reflect on

  • Listen and advise.
  • Support.
  • Encouragement.
  • Humour.
  • Non-judgement.

Even when their child attends college or university, parents have a role to play in their school perseverance. They can:

  • support them in their choice of education, career and achieving their objectives.
  • continue to encourage them.
  • maintain an open dialogue.
  • learn to respond to their diverse needs without necessarily experiencing their daily lives with them.

Students are responsible for their university education: they must learn the rules, abide by them, and are responsible for the progress of their academic record. It is important to inspire them to assume this responsibility and manage their studies.

Encourage them to

  • Attend their classes.
  • Consult and use the different support services.
  • Participate in the cultural, sports, recreational and social activities at school.
  • Get involved in university life.
  • Maintain a balance between studies, activities and part-time employment.

Motivate them to acquire personal skills in:

  • time management and other study strategies.
  • financial management (create and manage their budget)

Sources: Information taken from the sites of Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Moncton and CRÉPAS.