Sæktu forritiðLaunching Your Kids Into AdulthoodSýnishorn
COLLEGE-BOUND KIDS
Can children be over-parented once they leave home? Ask college administrators, and they’ll answer with a resounding, “Yes!”
As parents, we love our kids and want what’s best for them, even when they head off to college. But some moms and dads stay a little too involved. Richard Mullendore is a University of Georgia professor. He’s watched students get confused during registration, call home, and tell their adviser, “Talk to my mom.” The problem is so widespread that Mullendore calls the cellphone “the world’s largest umbilical cord.” Some parents choose their child’s courses, resolve their child’s roommate disputes, or even complain to the cafeteria about how much salt is in the food.
The desire to help is natural. But if parents don’t limit their involvement with appropriate boundaries, they may weaken their child’s ability to stand on their own two feet.
I understand it’s hard to let go, but parents should strive to recognize that a college-bound child is entering their young adult years. Leaving the nest, establishing independence, and handling the demands of daily life are all normal rites of passage established by God in His design for the family. Even though it’s tempting to rush in to save them at the first sign of adversity, trust that the lessons you taught them growing up and the godly character you’ve worked to instill within them have prepared them to face new challenges. With faith and prayer, your young adult child will figure things out, and they’ll gain some confidence along the way.
Can children be over-parented once they leave home? Ask college administrators, and they’ll answer with a resounding, “Yes!”
As parents, we love our kids and want what’s best for them, even when they head off to college. But some moms and dads stay a little too involved. Richard Mullendore is a University of Georgia professor. He’s watched students get confused during registration, call home, and tell their adviser, “Talk to my mom.” The problem is so widespread that Mullendore calls the cellphone “the world’s largest umbilical cord.” Some parents choose their child’s courses, resolve their child’s roommate disputes, or even complain to the cafeteria about how much salt is in the food.
The desire to help is natural. But if parents don’t limit their involvement with appropriate boundaries, they may weaken their child’s ability to stand on their own two feet.
I understand it’s hard to let go, but parents should strive to recognize that a college-bound child is entering their young adult years. Leaving the nest, establishing independence, and handling the demands of daily life are all normal rites of passage established by God in His design for the family. Even though it’s tempting to rush in to save them at the first sign of adversity, trust that the lessons you taught them growing up and the godly character you’ve worked to instill within them have prepared them to face new challenges. With faith and prayer, your young adult child will figure things out, and they’ll gain some confidence along the way.
Ritningin
About this Plan
Do parents ever stop being parents? Well, yes and no. You’ll never stop loving your children. But once they’re adults, everything changes. Your influence in their lives, the complexion of your relationship, even the dynamics in your marriage will be impacted by the empty nest. But change doesn’t have to mean chaos. With a little preparation, parents can smooth out the bumps that crop up when kids transition into adulthood.
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We would like to thank Jim Daly for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.jimdalyblog.com
