It can be a difficult balancing act for parents and caregivers when deciding how much and how often to communicate with their new college students. How do you "let go" of your child while still giving them love and support during their transition year at Thames? Here are some suggestions and tips for staying in touch while allowing your son or daughter to maintain their independence:
1) Communicate via e‐mail or text message. It's inexpensive and allows the student to communicate with you as his or her schedule allows. Please don’t call or text during class time. Your son or daughter will choose your phone call over the teacher’s lesson – trust us, it happens a lot.
2) Write letters and send cards – from you or extended family members and friends. Many students look forward to the mail delivery every day, even though they don't always have the time to write or call in response. You may want to send a text to let them know to expect something in the mail and tot check their mailbox.
3) Send small care packages with items such as treats (or 'rarely-seen-in-a-college-dorm' healthy food), magazines, etc.
4) Visit your child on Family Weekend. Meet his/her friends. Let your student set the tone for how the weekend is spent.
5) Allow yourself to be a "shoulder to cry on". When your child calls or writes, listen and don't be judgmental. Please suggest that they seek out their Thames advisor for help. Often their are two sides to every story and the Thames advisor can help put the situation or worry into the bigger picture.
