{"103371":{"#nid":"103371","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Making the First Year Transition: A Parent\u0027s Guide","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERuperto M. Perez, Ph.D.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDirector, Counseling Center\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe transition that new students make to Georgia Tech is a unique yet also a common experience for all incoming freshman. What parents sometime forget is the transition that they experience when their first (or second, or third, or last!) son or daughter leaves for college. The transition for parents can be both a time of anxiety and excitement. During this transition, parents may experience feelings of loss and sadness, which then give way to feelings of questioning how to manage the transition as well as feelings of excitement over new beginnings. Be assured that these experiences and feelings are common among many parents and families. It is helpful to network with other parents who are also experiencing the same transitions, if only because it helps to know that you\u00e2\u0080\u0099re not the only one experiencing these feelings!\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt also helps to be mindful of how roles shift between parents and college students. Here are some tips to help manage the change and strengthen your relationship:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* As a parent, your role shifts to that of an informed consultant rather than that of a \u00e2\u0080\u009chands-on manager of operations;\u00e2\u0080\u009d\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Keep a healthy line of communication open, and be mindful of obstacles that may close down communications;\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Continue to be clear about expectations and boundaries; and\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Be a listening ear that empowers the student to solve his or her own problems.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, it can also be helpful to parents to be mindful of these tips:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t expect a daily phone call or e-mail, and don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t always feel that you have to initiate one.  Let your daughter or son know that you trust them and that they can contact you any time they need you.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Leave a note or card for your student to remind them of words you want them to be able to re-read.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Be informed about campus resources so that you can consult with your child, but do not make inquiries for them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Keep a \u00e2\u0080\u009cnest\u00e2\u0080\u009d for your student at home. Don\u00e2\u0080\u0099t change his or her room immediately.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Talk about money, sex, the internet, alcohol, and drugs before your student leaves home. Set your expectations and teach your student how to protect him or herself.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the long run, the relationships you have nurtured with your son or daughter can continue to flourish and grow during this transition time. These relationships can be a source of encouragement and support during their years in college. Trust that you have done a good job building this relationship with your son or daughter and that it will continue throughout their time here at Georgia Tech and beyond.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.counseling.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Counseling Center\u003C\/a\u003E offers many resources for students and families to help make the transition to Georgia Tech a successful one. We encourage all parents and families to visit our \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.counseling.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ewebsite\u003C\/a\u003E. For additional information and frequently asked questions about our services and other helpful information, please visit our \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.counseling.gatech.edu\/plugins\/faq\/\u0022\u003EFrequently Asked Questions\u003C\/a\u003E.\n\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":null,"format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"The transition that new students make to Georgia Tech is a unique yet also a common experience for all incoming freshman. What parents sometime forget is the transition that they experience when their first (or second, or third, or last!) son or daughter leaves for college. The transition for parents can be both a time of anxiety and excitement. During this transition, parents may experience feelings of loss and sadness, which then give way to feelings of questioning how to manage the transition as well as feelings of excitement over new beginnings. Be assured that these experiences and feelings are common among many parents and families. It is helpful to network with other parents who are also experiencing the same transitions with their sons or daughters leaving for school - it helps to know that you\u00e2\u0080\u0099re not the only one experiencing these feelings!","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Parents experience challenges with transition too."}],"uid":"27164","created_gmt":"2009-07-06 00:00:00","changed_gmt":"2016-10-08 03:11:21","author":"Rachael Pocklington","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2011-07-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2011-07-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"groups":[{"id":"1298","name":"Parent and Family Programs"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"13593","name":"center for academic success"},{"id":"21581","name":"Tech PReP"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cstrong\u003ERachael Pocklington\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EParents Program\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/contact\/index.html?id=rpocklington3\u0022\u003EContact Rachael Pocklington\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E404-385-3920\u003C\/strong\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["rachael.pocklington@vpss.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}