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Originally Posted On: https://www.reallymissingsleep.com/2023/05/the-3-most-common-concerns-parents-have-when-their-child-heads-off-to-university.html
Your child may be experiencing peaks and troughs during their primary and secondary education. But you were probably also going through the emotional mill when it came to your child’s education, mainly because of the anxieties as to whether they would do well in school and if they could have a life that will keep them financially and professionally afloat. But once your child’s gone through their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, and it’s time to go to university, there can be a whole new heap of worries you can experience. Here are some of the most common concerns parents experience and what you can do about them.
If They Can Survive by Themselves
Probably the most common concern is whether we can give them what they need to thrive. Part of the process in preparing them for university is about ensuring they can fend for themselves by cooking and generally looking after themselves. When you are in the process of helping them find cheap student accommodation, this is when the reality can set in that we’ve not done enough.
Whatever time you have left, it might be worth giving them a grounding in the bare basics, and even if they already know the basics of cooking and cleaning, we can always show them things like managing their money properly. You may have been able to help them locate cheap deals when it comes to their accommodation and other things, but you also need to make sure that they can manage their finances properly, which is arguably key to them being able to look after themselves.
How Their Mental Health Will Be
Lots of younger generations can be more likely to experience depression and other mental health disorders. When they are stepping away from home for so long, it’s a good idea to keep in contact with them regularly, and because they’ve been under your roof all this time, it can be quite easy not to notice certain things because they’ve been with you for so long.
It’s not about keeping tabs on them but making sure that you periodically check on them regularly. It’s a little thing, but semi-regular contact can make sure they feel your support, and if they’re too busy to speak to you, chances are that’s a good thing and they’re having way too much fun!
Partying Too Much When They Should Be Focusing on Their Studies
This is probably concern number one for most parents. Partying, in many parents’ minds, usually means excessive alcohol or even drug abuse. While there are going to be parties, it doesn’t mean that your child is going to automatically act irresponsibly.
Some children who experience limitations at home feel like they are off the leash when it comes to university life, and as a result, they can feel overwhelmed. But it’s important for you to show them the balance here and not just show them the dangers of this type of lifestyle, but also how it pays to have a great social life while also being able to study properly.
If you have any of these concerns, it is absolutely normal to feel like this. Ensuring you deal with your anxieties while also making sure your child is ready for university, but can help them to be more ready and even more grown-up than we would give them credit for.
