Sending your student off to college is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for both of you. As your student begins their journey at Missouri Western, it’s essential that you work to maintain a strong connection with them. Here are some tips to help you stay connected and support your student during their first semester.

  1. Frequent Communication: Make an effort to stay in touch with your student regularly, whether through phone calls, video chats, or texts. Your student will be busy and may not be able to answer you immediately, but just seeing a message or phone call from you will go a long way to helping them remember that you are entirely behind them during this new adventure.
  2. Respect their Independence: While talking to your student frequently is important, it equally important to respect their new-found independence. Remember, this is new and exciting for them. They are testing their boundaries, trying new things, and figuring out who they are as a person. Now is the time to step back and let them try things for themselves before you intervene.
  3. Be a Good Listener: During conversations with your student, practice your active listening. They are facing an overwhelming amount of new challenges and may be feeling overwhelmed. Allow them to express their concerns without feeling judged. Consider starting each conversation with expectations. Ask your student up front, “Are you just looking to vent or do you want my advice?” In doing this, you will avoid overstepping your student’s boundaries and can provide them with what they need at that time.
  4. Show up for Family Day: Mark your calendar – Saturday, September 23! You won’t want to miss the chance to experience campus life with your student. Family Day is a fun-filled day of events and activities that will allow you to spend some quality time with your student in their new home away from home.

As you support your student during their first semester at Missouri Western, remember that your love and encouragement is invaluable. Stay connected, be a source of strength, and celebrate all of their achievements big and small. With your unwavering support, your student will have a successful and enjoyable time at Missouri Western.