How much should you get involved?

If you have a student who is going away to college, it is very important that you stay involved with them, especially if they are moving off campus. Dormitories and other on campus housing options tend to have a lot of rules and people designated to monitor student activities. While these controls keep students from misbehaving, they are also the reason many students move off campus.

Once students feel comfortable living away at school, they want to gain even more independence by getting their own place off campus. While students want to be on there own, when it comes to cooking, cleaning and doing the laundry, they quickly remember how nice things were at home. If you live close enough to your child's school, use these chores as an opportunity to check in with them. Let them know you want to drop off some food, or stop by to help with their laundry or household chores. Use this time to find out how they are getting along with roommates, what classes they like and what you can do to support them while they are living away from home. If you don't live close enough for a visit, make sure you call often, send care packages and pictures.

It is important that you talk to your son or daughter and listen to what they have to say. No student wants their parents showing up on the door step every week. But most would be grateful if you show and interest in their life style and support them to make them feel comfortable living on their own.