Who doesn’t miss home when they’re away? College kids especially! When you finish high school, and it’s about time to embark on the journey of your life and go off to college, that homesick feeling will hit hard.
But parents—there are plenty of ways to support your freshman and make sure things don’t get more serious than just missing the comfort of home and family. Here are a few tips.
College Kids and the Homesick Feeling
For someone who’s lived at home all their life in the comfort of family and always had everything they needed and wanted, the transition of going off to college is worrying.
No wonder so many kids start missing home, badly, in their first year as freshmen. It’s difficult not to have all the homey comforts you’ve been used to, it’s a whole new life. You have to become a grownup, often before you’re ready.
Talk, Talk, Talk
If you want your freshman to get through it all and stop feeling so homesick all the time – there are things you can do. There are ways of supporting your child! Conversation is key.
Make it seem like they’re still at home, to a certain extent. Ask about their day and what’s going on. Make them feel they’re still part of the family because they are—even if they don’t quite feel like it at the time.
Send Care Packages
Send your freshman little care package. Shower them with food, items from home, clothes, and other necessities they might need to help them out.
But, do it up to a limit. They still need to learn how to do their own grocery shopping and don’t let your kids rely on your generosity to get through the week.
Encourage Them to Socialize
Talk to your freshman about building their own community. Encourage them to make more friends and get involved in more activities that won’t make them feel so lonely, especially during their first days and weeks away from home.
Remind them this is an opportunity to start building a life that reflects their personal goals, personality, and needs. There is no limit to what they can do—but remember to stay safe!
Time Is Key
Understand that the transition will take time. Teenagers and young adults lack life experience, and they won’t get things right first time, every time.
Eventually, they’ll start feeling comfortable in their new life, especially knowing they have your love and support from afar.
More Help Might Be Needed
Sometimes, it’s more than just a little feeling of missing home. If your teen is constantly in the room, not involved in anything, missing classes, or skipping meals—there may be a bigger problem. Check for these signs, because the problem might be bigger than you think.
Feeling homesick is part of the natural journey of leaving home. Everyone feels it, one way or another. But it’s important to support your children and be with them until they learn to love their new life. Find the balance between keeping them close and letting them free. Keep an eye on big issues, and offer advice at a healthy level. And maybe reminisce about when you left home, too!