Being a parent of a college student doesn’t reduce your concerns for their safety and well-being.
That is why we want to share some helpful tips on how to help your kids cope with stress at college, even when you are far away from them.
Be Patient
People react to stress differently.
By now, you should be well aware of your kids’ defence mechanisms.
They may not be thrilled to share the bad news or talk about their worries.
Maybe they need time to deal with those emotions on their own.
On the other hand, they may need to be gently encouraged to talk about their feelings.
You know your children better than anyone.
You know that rushing is not the way to go.
Just let your kids know that you are there for them no matter what.
They need to hear those words of support and kindness.
Don’t try to drag answers from them or insist on helping without their consent.
Wait till they come for help.
Before that, let them try to handle the situation. They are learning to be adults, and dealing with stress is a big of their personal growth.
Be Watchful
Parents should have limits on how much they interfere with their kids’ lives, especially after they go to college.
Sometimes, you will need to step in and deal with situations that your children can no longer manage themselves.
Of course, we all hope that it won’t reach such a stage, but there may be occasions when for everyone’s sake it is necessary.
Once you spot changes in behaviour that cause you concern, step in and help them.
You can help them get organized, take them on a brief trip or vacation or place an order with writepaperfor.me to unload some of their school responsibilities.
Overall, be there for them not only by a promise but in actions, too.
Growing up is difficult. We all make mistakes at first.
School stress can get the better of your child. It’s up to you to remind them of their full potential and strength.
Determine the Stress Factors
Your child may not know what bothers them so much.
Stress is a very tricky condition. It sneaks up on you when you are most vulnerable.
Yet, it stays with you even when the situation that caused it has long gone.
We may feel stressed and exhausted weeks before and after the actual cause of stress happens.
In fact, our bodies can also react to stress months after the stressful period in our life.
It’s worth teaching your kids to recognize when they are stressed and why.
One way to do so is via an open conversation. Just let them talk.
Don’t impose your opinions or give suggestions.
Instead, let them work through their defence mechanisms, judgments, and perceptions of what may bother them.
Somewhere in the middle of the vent, you will spot the real stress factors that are causing them a concern.
Then, once you know the causes of stress, you can actively work on reducing the effects on the child’s life.
Have Some Fun
Sometimes, all one may need is to step aside from a stressful environment.
A day outside the school will remind your child that there is more to life than studies and grades.
Students get so caught up with all their worries, stresses, and school pressure that they stop thinking straight.
They get too narrowly focused on the next exam or big essay that they forget about everything else.
Well, perhaps, it’s time to remind them about all the fun in life they are missing.
Take your kid for a day off to the city, hike, or anywhere else they would enjoy the most.
Give them a chance to be carefree for the day.
A good day outside the school will help them destress, reset their goals and ambitions, and remind them about the bigger picture outside the school walls.
Work on coping mechanisms together
Your child should learn how to deal with stress on their own first.
After all, life will not get easier after college. Stress will remain an inevitable part of growing up.
Sadly it is something they need to get used to and learn how to process these negative emotions.
Together, you can work on developing a strong coping mechanism to deal with stress at its earliest appearance.
For example, taking good care of your body and mind is a very solid start.
A healthy lifestyle, plenty of physical activity, rest, and a balanced diet will help your child be more resilient to stress.
Next, you can teach them the value of open conversation and social support.
So they can always admit when they need help.
Lastly, your child can find their own coping strategies like yoga, meditation, breathing, or anything else that brings a sense of calm to their lives during stressful times.
