In the last few weeks, I've received dozens of tearful calls and panicky emails from parents whose children are off at college for the first time and aren't adjusting particularly well.
"He calls home several times a day and feels like he doesn't have any friends, even though he's playing lacrosse and has joined a fraternity," one parent lamented.
"Even though she's doing everything right, she just texted me that she wakes up every morning feeling like she wants to cry," wrote another.
Here's the thing: It is totally normal for this major transition to be VERY DIFFICULT, especially if you've never been on your own before. Navigating making friends and living without family for the first time can be very hard. And that is okay. Kids usually survive the difficulty and discomfort; most grow dramatically because of it.
Tempted to go visit? Bring them home for a weekend?
Think twice before rescuing college students from the difficult emotions that they are facing...
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