Young adults are heading back to college this month. For some, it’s their first time back on campus in over a year. For others, it’s their first time on campus EVER. Much has been written about college students’ need to disconnect from their parents and develop autonomy – but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to know that you love and appreciate them on occasion.
Here are some fun ways to encourage your college student from afar.
This post is sponsored by Northwest University.
Send them a letter. Everybody loves getting mail. Send your college student a letter that tells them how proud you are of them and how excited you are about their future. Highlight the things you love about them. Resist the urge to talk about how much you miss them, give unsolicited advice, or say anything that might make them feel guilty about how frequently they communicate with you. This the perfect way to encourage your student who responds to words of affirmation. They can read your letter again and again!
Encourage important adults in their lives to drop them a card. Ask their youth leaders, mentors, coaches, or favorite teachers to send them a quick note once in awhile so they don’t feel forgotten. Don’t forget about their grandparents, aunts/uncles, or their best friend’s parents. These little notes remind them that they matter!
Send a care package. The classic care package never goes out of style! Here are some ideas of themed care packages for your college student. {And don’t forget to include the homemade cookies!}
Sign them up for a fun subscription box. Is “gifts” your child’s love language? Have them get a monthly reminder of how much you care! Remember, though, that dorm space is usually pretty limited so you don’t want them to get huge items every month. Subscriptions like the Ipsy Glam Bag, Birchbox, or Universal Yums will deliver fun surprises to their mailbox every month!
Treat them to an unexpected luxury. Do you get the sense your child is stressed with all their to-dos? Lighten their load by paying for a laundry service during mid-terms, or send them money for a rideshare service so they don’t have to take public transportation during a high-pressure week. This is especially great for the “acts of service” love language.
Send them a gift card. Most college students are cash-strapped. Sure, you can send them a gift card in their email but it’s more fun to receive real mail. Send them a gift card for something they probably wouldn’t have the money to spend on by themselves.
Help them bond with their roommates. Making friends in college can be tricky. This is especially true during their first year, when they’re rooming with people they’ve never met before. Put together a bonding experience for the whole room or suite: buy them all pizza and then send them to an Escape Room, arrange for them to go zip-lining or on a ropes course, or send them a Murder Mystery game to play in-house, along with money to buy ridiculous costumes at the closest thrift store. This is great for students whose love language is quality time, but is also appropriate for anyone trying to bond with their roommates.
Think about your child’s love language, and find ways to encourage them accordingly. Make your efforts purposeful and meaningful, but don’t smother them. College is a huge transition time in your child’s life, and in yours as a parent. Love them from afar, let them know you’re thinking of them, but also let them experience independence apart from you.
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Northwest University understands the trust parents place in us to care for their son or daughter during their formative young adult years. We are committed to giving our very best to your student, and respect the role you will continue to play in your child’s life. Northwest University offers a parent resource page to help you navigate this transitional time and make sure you feel connected to your student and the college while they are away from home.
Northwest University is a top-ranked Christian university with over 70 academic programs that is committed to your child’s success. Providing academic support, spiritual growth opportunities, and robust community, we have everything to help your child thrive as they grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Learn about the comprehensive supports Northwest University offers its students and schedule a visit today!
