While you’re likely proud of your child going off to college, it’s always hard to let them go at the end of every break. You may wonder what they have been up to and if they miss you too. While many college students don’t openly tell their parents how much they miss them, they will still appreciate your efforts to stay in touch. There are many ways to stay connected, no matter how far away your child is.
Check with them about their finances
Even if your child is working hard to pay for himself, he may struggle with money. When you connect with them, ask how they’re doing financially to see if there’s anything you can do to help them. This could be anything from giving their bank account an extra boost to helping them get a student loan.
Because your child likely won’t be able to pay the entire cost of their education on their own, they will most likely need to take out a student loan at some point. You can help them by co-financing their loan. If you are considering this option, you can review a guide with more information on whether you should sign and what you need to know.
Keep track of their schedule
When your child is alone at school, they are establishing their own routine of studying, going to class, and hanging out with their new friends. Understanding what their schedule is like can help you find the time to stay in touch with them. If you know they aren’t studying or in class, you won’t have to feel like you’re interrupting them. While you may want them to answer your calls as soon as they can, it’s best for them to learn how to manage their time. College is a big life step, and it’s a time for them to learn how to be their own person.
Take advantage of the video
Technology has made it much easier to receive and send videos, and this is extremely helpful for parents of college students. Videos can bring your child home much more than a voice call or text message. They can see their siblings, beloved pets, or spots in their hometown. It doesn’t even have to be a video call. There are apps that allow you to record and send a video message from the app and your child can open and watch the video whenever they get the chance.
Send your baby care packages
Parents have been sending college care packages for years, but that doesn’t mean it’s an outdated way to stay in touch. In fact, care packages can help you stay connected in a new way, and they can remind your child of home. Think about the personal touches you can add that your child will love. Maybe they miss your Saturday morning homemade pancakes, or maybe they mentioned something in a previous conversation, and you can send them that item.
