The teenage years are a challenge for parents, and many find it hard to prepare for their kids going to college. In this guide, we’ll discuss some steps you can take to practice supportive parenting as your children get ready for their next adventure.

Learning and tuition

The years that lead up to college are among the most intensive and stressful for children and their parents. The workload can get heavy, and many teens feel under pressure to perform. With exams and entry tests looming and a steady stream of assignments to complete, it’s hugely beneficial for parents to play a supportive role in learning and tuition. Some parents may want to take an active role at this point, while others may feel more comfortable letting their children study with friends, teachers and tutors.

You can provide extra support for your kids by using resources and considering options like hiring a private tutor if they are struggling with a particular subject or concept. The days of utilizing resources like ABCmouse may be gone, but there are plenty of courses, interactive study modules and mock assessments available online, which could be helpful. It’s also beneficial to keep in touch with your child’s teachers and to communicate openly with them to ensure that your child has access to the support they need. 

Emotional support

Preparing for college is an emotional roller coaster. Most people experience a range of emotions as they get ready to sit tests, do interviews and think about moving away and starting the next chapter of their lives. It’s natural for there to be highs and lows. As a parent, it’s helpful to make sure that you are there for your child. Talk to them openly about how they feel and make sure that they know they can come to you if they want to chat, they have concerns, or they want advice. Encourage your kids to talk to you, but don’t push them. It’s important that they feel able to come to you when they are ready. 

Pressure

A lot of people feel under pressure when college is approaching and there are targets to meet and grades to achieve. Every parent wants the best for their child, but it’s so important not to add to the pressure on your kids. If they feel that the weight of the world is on their shoulders, this could impact their performance and confidence. Let your children know that their best is all they can do and try to manage expectations. Avoid making comments that could cause them to feel anxious or uneasy and try to help them to relax and feel calm. Reassure them, build confidence and let them know that you are proud of them. 

Parenting is never straightforward and it can be particularly challenging as children and teens prepare for major assessments and life changes. It’s natural to want to be supportive, but it’s not always easy to know what to do for the best. Take these tips on board to support learning, build confidence and reduce anxiety and pressure.