parenting, Bloomfield Child & Family Counseling

Attention parents of High School Seniors!

High-school graduation can be an exciting but stressful milestone for your child and entire
family. Below are eight important tips to help your child make a seamless transition from high-school graduate to a first-year college student.

1. Financial Planning:
 Complete financial aid paperwork, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any additional forms required by colleges.
 Explore scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
 Discuss budgeting strategies with your child for managing expenses during college.

2. College Visits and Decisions:
 Accompany your child on any final college visits or revisit campuses to help them make a final decision.
 Review acceptance letters, financial aid packages, and any scholarship offers together.
 Help your child make a final decision on which college to attend.

3. Housing and Roommate Selection:
 If applicable, assist your child with selecting on-campus housing or finding off- campus housing options.
 Discuss roommate preferences and encourage your child to reach out to potential roommates. A lot of colleges have social media or other platforms to connect students who are seeking roommates.

4. Academic Preparation:
 Ensure your child completes any remaining high school coursework and exams.
 Assist with registering for any necessary placement exams or orientation programs required by the college. Sometimes they are scheduled earlier than you may think! Encourage your child to check their email regularly for these dates.
 Discuss academic expectations and resources available at the college.

5. Health and Wellness:
 Schedule a physical exam and ensure your child is up to date on vaccinations required by the college.
 Review health insurance options, whether through the college or staying on your family plan. Also discuss and plan any new physician offices or pharmacies that they can access if they are attending a college out of state.

 Discuss mental health resources and support available on campus.

6. Personal and Emotional Support:
 Have open conversations about your child's expectations, fears, and excitement about starting college.
 Encourage independence and decision-making skills while offering your support and guidance.
 Discuss strategies for managing stress and homesickness during the transition.

7. Practical Preparations:
 Create a packing list and assist your child with gathering necessary items for their dorm or apartment.
 Plan transportation to the college, whether by car, plane, or other means.
 Consider attending any parent orientation programs offered by the college to
learn more about support services and resources available.

8. Celebrate and Enjoy the Moment:
 Take time to celebrate this milestone with your child and family.
 Encourage your child to connect with friends and make memories during their final months at home.
 Embrace the excitement and anticipation of the journey ahead.

By completing these tasks together, you can help ensure a smooth transition for your child as they prepare to embark on their college journey. Best of luck!

Redefining 2020 for Your Child

We are heading into the new unknown; a whole academic year on a computer, a 24/7 work from home culture, our cup runneth over with stress and chaos.

Let us find the right tools, simple strategies, to balance our home life. Our kids of all ages are learning to navigate more independently through virtual learning. We should accept this challenge and find the right space and means to let them be successful. As you’ve heard a million times: at a real table, with plenty of light, and little distractions.

More important than uploading homework by midnight, is to validate the anxiety and irritability that your child/teen will feel. Validation is powerful no matter the age. We need that too!

Then, we have to also gear up and model good coping and stress management. It is imperative they see some of the struggle on a Wednesday evening and hear you use a feeling word followed by a five minute break, or telling Alexa to play a goofy song.

Support these children, do not forget about them when you have had a rough day. They are continuing to be distanced from peers when developmentally it should be a main pillar to their lives. Let them grieve that.

Redefine this year in your own mind first. Adjust your expectations but try not to lower your standards. We still want routine and self-care. The family still needs family dinners and bedtimes. Support your friends, call your parents. We are redefining 2020-2021 academic year together. One this is certain, you as a parent, it is all about Survive and Advance. You will in fact survive the WFH lifestyle and your child will in fact learn things and advance.

“Children learn more from what you are, than what you teach.”

W.E.B. DuBois

validate Feelings

Tell them you hear what they’ve said. Repeat in your own words what you heard.

Communicate

Practice “I Statements” and take turns sharing thoughts and ideas. Take breaks if necessary.

problem solve

Help your child identify ways to cope. Get creative with Calm Down Corners and resources to use to relax.

support

Follow up with your child later in the night or the next day. Reflect with them about how they feel now and what else can change going forward.

A Space for Kids & Teens

Redefine 2020 for Your Child