Do's and Don'ts for Parents of VSU Students

Don't

• Don't lecture your student. You will have a difficult time adjusting to your student making decisions for themselves. Don't lecture to express your point but engage in an open and honest dialogue.
• Don't hover over your student. As you begin to allow your student the freedom and space to grow and develop don't hover, ready to swoop in at the first sign of trouble, instead encourage their continued growth and development by helping them to respond to the different situations that may occur.
• Don't expect mistakes not to be made. As you know from your own growth and development, there will be some stumbling blocks, don't walk into this experience believing that your student will not make a mistake. Be sure to continue your encouragement throughout their college journey, especially in your students' moments of distress.
• Don't overburden your student. Sending your student off to college is a very emotional and natural experience. However it is important that you don't complicate the equally emotional experience for your student by forcing them to shoulder your emotional adjustment with letting them grow up.
• Don't make comparisons. It is difficult for this generation of student to digest that growing up you had it harder than them. While providing context is positive, don't compare your life experiences with their current life experiences.

Do

• Support each other. You are not the only parent trusting VSU to protect and develop your most prized student. You will find comfort in building relationships with other parents as you all encourage your students continued growth and development. They need you. Regardless of how often they proclaim their adult status, they need you. Family support is one of the most important contributors to students' academic success in college.
• Empower them. Your student will be looking to you as the example. They will require your encouragement to transition into adulthood. On those days when you receive that frantic call about something going wrong, assist them in developing a plan of action to respond to that issue.
• Encourage community involvement. A part of becoming educated requires students to engage the many opportunities for learning that occur outside the classroom. Encourage your student to apply for internships, participate in study abroad opportunities, and volunteer for service learning projects. This is in addition to becoming active in their school community.
• Participate. Find ways to involve yourself in the college experience. Whether it is participating in the annual Family Weekend and Homecoming activities or donating to the General Scholarship Fund, VSU is always looking for ways to keep families apart of the Trojan community.