What Can I Do To Help My Child From
Home?
1. Talk with your son or daughter
regularly.
Even though your child is more independent and making more adult
decisions they still need to know that you are available for
support. They need you to discuss both difficult issues and
normal life occurrences.
2. Let your son or daughter structure
some of your conversations.
If your son or daughter needs help or support it is more likely
that it will come up if you are not asking him or her questions
about how late they are staying out or who their friends are.
3. Set realistic expectations about
finances.
Be specific about your plans for paying for tuition, fees, books,
room, board, and other expenses. If you are realistic and clear
about your expectation at the outset you may be able to avoid
future misunderstandings.
4. Set realistic expectations about
academic achievement and grades.
Adjusting to university life is a difficult transition and this
may at times be reflected in a student’s academic performance.
Not every "A" student in high school will be an "A"
student at the University. It is important for parents to be
supportive and focus on their son's or daughter’s development
rather than performance, as long as they are meeting the basic
academic requirements of the university.
5. If your son or daughter does experience
difficulties encourage him or her to take advantage of the many
resources available to Southern Miss students.
No matter how much you as parents take care of your own needs
you will always be concerned about your child’s well-being.
There are a wealth of resources on campus in place to respond
to the needs of your son or daughter. The Student Counseling Services are here to help your son or daughter cope with psychological
and emotional concerns. These concerns often time include worries
about grades, test anxiety, changing majors, roommate difficulties,
and low self concept. Talking to some one can help. Other concerns
that may be more serious include some of the following:
Anxiety
Depression
Eating
Disorders
Substance
Dependence |
