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How to cope when your child goes to university
bbc.com • • world
Key Points:
- Many parents struggle with anxiety and grief after their children leave for university, often turning to social media groups that can inadvertently fuel their worries instead of alleviating them.
- Psychologists and students advise against constant checking, tracking, and over-involvement through social media or messaging apps, emphasizing the importance of allowing young adults to develop independence.
- Effective communication with university students should be based on genuine curiosity and agreed boundaries, rather than surveillance or excessive contact, to maintain healthy relationships.
- Experts recommend parents give themselves time to adjust emotionally, avoid over-intervening unless there is a clear safety concern, and send supportive messages that express belief in their child's capability.
- Alternative ways to stay connected, such as sending letters or parcels without expecting immediate responses, can help parents show care without overwhelming their children.
