Parenting Concerns: Navigating College Kids’ issues After Holiday Visits

“Ryan came home for the holidays. He was quiet, did not interact with the family, stayed in his room. He said that the school “was fine.” At the end of his staying my spouse and I were very concerned. This was not the kid we sent to college a year ago. What should we do?”

“Ashley did not want to come home for the holidays. She shared she wanted to spend time with her new friends. We insisted her to come for a couple of days. She did and we were glad. However, she was a different person. She has gained wait, her food intake was uncontrollable, she was very anxious and concerned about other’s opinions of her.

Is this something she should be seeing a therapist for?”

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your college child, especially after a holiday visit. Here are four major concerns parents often see in their college kids and four actions parents can take to help them navigate this crucial time.

Signs that your college student is not doing well from home:

1. 1. Academic Pressure: Parents often worry about their child’s academic performance and the stress that comes with it. They worry about themselves too. At times, they need some guidance on how to be assertive, talk to professors, etc.
2. 2. Mental Health: The transition to college life can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. If you observe any symptoms, try to talk to them about the importance of taking care of their mental health as much as their physical health.
3. Peer Pressure: College is a time of exploration, and parents may be concerned about their child succumbing to negative peer influences. Such negative influences can affect their self-esteem, their self-image, and their self-confidence.
4. Time Management: Balancing academics, social life, and personal well-being can be challenging for college students, leading to burnout and exhaustion. Adulting – can be very difficult for a lot of college students.

Actions Parents Can Take:

1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their academic challenges, mental health struggles, and peer interactions. Offer support and guidance without judgment.
2. Encourage Self-Care: Help your child prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep to manage stress and maintain well-being.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that college is a time of growth and learning. Encourage your child to do their best but also remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and seek help when needed.
4. Seek Professional Help: If you notice persistent signs of academic struggle, mental health issues, or difficulty managing time, consider reaching out to a psychologist or counselor at your child’s school for additional support.

In conclusion, being a parent of a college student comes with its own set of challenges. By addressing concerns openly, encouraging self-care, setting realistic expectations, and seeking professional help when needed, parents can support their college kids through this transitional phase. Remember, it’s okay to seek help, and there are resources available to assist both you and your child in navigating this journey.

We at Tampa Therapy and Wellness offer sessions specialized in helping late teens / young adults go through this moment in life.

Located a couple of blocks from University of Tampa, we work with college students from public and private schools, such as USF, UT, St. Leo, SPC, HCC, etc.

Call us to talk to one of our therapists to see how we can help your college child.