Resources for Parents

As 你 prepare for 你r student to attend the University of Dallas, we know that YOU are probably going through some transitions and adjustments 你rself. With that in mind, we share the following suggestions to help make 你r student's adjustment (and 你rs) smooth and healthy.

Listen: Allow 你r student to share his/her feelings and expectations about all of the new experiences college life will bring. Encourage 你r student to share both the excitement and concerns with 你 without reserving judgment by simply allowing 你r son or daughter to just talk.

Inquire: It is understandable that 你r student may be hesitant to share with 你 pre-college apprehensions and some experiences during the first year of college. Therefore it is important to ask about those subjects that 你r student might feel uncomfortable talking about. While 你 will probably ask how classes are going, 你 should also inquire about his or her social relationships (new friends, roommate(s), or romantic relationships). Ask 你r student about weekend activities and the choices he or she has made in regards to alcohol and drugs. Even though 你r student may not share everything with 你, it is helpful for him or her to know that 你 are willing to discuss these topics should the need arise.

Support: Learn about the various resources available to the students at the University of Dallas. Regardless of the situation which 你r student might encounter, there is always someone on UD's campus that can help. Letting 你r student know that 你 have confidence in his or her abilities will greatly enhance 你r student's confidence. Phone calls, emails, cards and care packages are great ways to show 你 care and stay connected.

Suggest: Make suggestions when appropriate. Even though it is important for first year students to solve problems on their own, sometimes they need a point in the right direction. Be prepared to help 你r student find the resources needed to help. It is an important step in maturation for students to solve problems on their own; do not overstep this boundary and handle matters for them.

分享: 分享 你r thoughts and feelings about 你r student's college experiences. 说话 about 你r expectations regarding academics and behavior before 你r student leaves for college to avoid problems in the future.

Accept: College is a time of change for many students. Your student will continue to develop opinions and thoughts on a variety of issues and topics. Accept 你r student's emerging independence. He or she may decide on a major different than what 你 had recommended, or may adopt a different political view. Engaging in constructive dialogue will strengthen 你r relationship even though 你r opinions may differ.

Understand: Understand that everyone makes mistakes. Try not to overreact when 你r student makes a mistake, as this will discourage him or her from sharing information with 你. Reacting calmly to adverse situations and supporting 你r student through any pitfalls will set a good precedent for communication throughout college life.