There is a fine balance between coming across as a supportive parent and being seen as an interfering one. However, it is possible to support your child in their dream of getting into college. Continue reading for our top tips. (Image Credit: Анастасия Гепп/Pixabay)
Maintain expectations
The older your children get, the more challenging it can be to keep them in line and discipline. However, maintaining a certain level of expectations with regard to curfew, chores and school work is vital. Keeping an eye on your child, from a distance at least, to ensure school work is completed in advance of going out to meet friends is important. Doing so will help them to fulfil the necessary studies.
Listen to your child
It can be difficult to separate your own wishes for your child’s future from their own. Think back to when you were their age. If your parents forced you to take a certain path, how did you feel about that? Likewise, if you were allowed to make your own decisions, even if that resulted in a few wobbles along the way, you are likely grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. Listening to your child’s wishes and hopes for their own future will ensure your relationship is a positive one.
Support extra-curricular activities
Allowing and supporting your child to undertake a range of extra-curricular activities can help their college application. Having interests outside of school shows a well-rounded person. Encouraging volunteering is a great way to do this. It demonstrates a willingness to help others and a range of skills and personality traits too.
Encourage rather than discourage
Whether or not you agree with your child’s ambitions with regard to going for college, you ought to be their champion and support them. Encourage them to achieve their goals, rather than adding an unnecessary barrier to their success. Seeking advice from college admissions consultants would be a great step for you both to do together.
Visit colleges
Travelling with your child to visit colleges is a great way to support them. If possible, try to combine a college tour or two with a forthcoming vacation. Being able to see a possible future destination supports the decision-making process. It also shows your child that you are encouraging and supportive. Try to get your child to consider their priorities and any questions they may like to ask if they have the opportunity.
Don’t live in the past
It can be really easy to offer advice based on what happened to yourself, for example, when you applied for college. Unfortunately, this can be a little over the top for your child. Furthermore, times have changed and along with that have the processes. Harping on about what happened when you were at Harvard or when you were young will not win you any favors with anyone. In fact, doing so is more likely to switch your child off and they will stop listening to any advice you may have to give.
