Interested Yet Not Intrusive
Just because your student is heading off to school, it doesn't mean that she no longer needs you in her life. It's important for you to be involved—it's actually quite essential to her success!
The key is to be interested, without being too intrusive. You know the drill…you've been the parent of a teenager for a number of years now!
Here's a quick recap, though, since we all need reminders every now and again:
- don't make conversations feel like "quizzes"
- ask your student what she is learning in class, instead of always focusing on grades
- if your student mentions a new person's name, casually ask about that person ("So, Andrew is a friend from...?") rather than drilling for details
- balance your communication by not always making it about your student—share what's happening in your life too
- don't call or email constantly—there needs to be a healthy distance
- ask what your student is getting involved in and what interests her so far—let her share her enthusiasm!
Over the next few weeks, your student may rebuff your efforts to help or even just to talk about school. Don't worry...it's probably just nerves. You can still be supportive by being ready to listen. Pay attention to cues—and use these openings wisely. Your student is sure to value and appreciate your efforts, even if she doesn't demonstrate it right away. Plus, you'll feel more confident as you send your student off to start another chapter in her life.