When you child is preparing to start university, it will undoubtedly be an extremely stressful time period for them. It is important to remember, though, that you will be dealing with your own stresses as well. Parents often have a tendency to underestimate just how much their child’s university experience will affect them as well. Guiding a child through such a pivotal and overwhelming process can be emotional and challenging.

The key is to be as prepared for the experience as possible. Since every child’s time at university will be as unique as they are, the preparation on your end can be tough. However, there are certainly some proactive things that you can start doing ahead of time to make sure that you are ready to help them make the most of their time at university.

Understand Their Journey

When you child makes the decision to attend university, they will have a number of options available to them. Earning a university degree is no longer a one-size-fits-all process. Rather, there are a few paths that your child can consider when they are in pursuit of higher education. 

While the traditional university setting is still a viable option that the majority of students go for, online degree programs are also on the table. These options tend to make it easier for students to earn their degrees when they also have other time-consuming responsibilities that can’t be abandoned, such as full or part time jobs or family obligations. Moreover, some students opt for a combination of the two by earning certain required credits online before attending a full-time university.

Guiding your child through university starts with guiding them through the university selection process. They will need to evaluate the career options that they would like to available to them post-graduation and then decide what type of degree would best lend itself to the pursuit of those options. With a career path roughly in mind, they should then look into institutions that offer their degrees of interest. 

Understanding you child’s journey will be the first step to being able to guide them through their university experience. Are they going to be enrolling in an undergraduate degree program at a traditional university, or will they be working towards an ECU online postgraduate degree? Take the time to understand what your child will be up against so that you can be in the best position possible to offer advice and guidance throughout their time as a student.

Don’t Become Overbearing

Helping you child to navigate the difficulties and challenges presented when attending university means striking a certain balance as a parent. You want to make sure that you child knows that you are always there for them whenever they need help or advice, but you don’t want to be so overbearing as to infringe upon their growing independence. After all, you know that becoming independent is a good thing for your child and that it is all part of growing up.

It can be difficult as a parent to let go, though, especially when you know all too well then things that your child will struggle with. The best thing that you can do, though, is to try to pass along as much practical advice as possible prior to their time at university beginning and then give them enough space to put that advice to use.

There will of course be stumbles along the way, but as long as your child knows that they can always come to you for help then all will be well in the end. Moreover, if you are too overbearing then they will probably be less likely to seek your guidance in the first place. While the balance might be difficult to find initially, bear in mind that this is a learning process for the both of you.

Make Sure They Are Well Equipped

When you child is about to start university, they will need a number of things on hand. While the things they need will depend upon a variety of factors, such as whether or not they are moving out or what sort of degree program they are enrolling in, there are a few staples that every student will need to have at the ready.

For starters, whether your child is earning their degree online or at a university, they will need a fully functional computer. They should also have other student supplies like notebooks and pens. If your child is moving out, you will need to take some time together to assemble all the necessities.