Watching your teenager pack up for university is such a bittersweet moment, isn’t it? You’re excited for them to start this new chapter but also worried about how they’ll cope without you there for support 24/7. It’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions during this transition, but there are ways to make it smoother for both of you.
Here’s how you can be there for them as they step into the exciting, and sometimes daunting, world of university life.
- Keep the Conversation Open
The earlier you start talking about university, the better. Your teenager might be feeling anxious but not know how to voice it. Regular, open conversations about their upcoming experience can make a world of difference. Encourage them to share what they’re nervous about and offer gentle reassurance. Whether it’s making new friends, managing a budget, or navigating academic pressures, your support will help them feel less overwhelmed.
Sending them off with some nutritious snacks can help fuel their brain and body during those intense study sessions. Snacks like Hippeas and Metcalfe’s popcorn from Boarding Bites not only taste great but are packed with healthy ingredients that keep energy levels up.
- Help Them Build Independence
University life requires a fair bit of self-reliance, from cooking and cleaning to managing finances and time. Over the summer, encourage your teen to take on more responsibilities at home so they can start building those skills early. Have them cook a few meals, manage their own laundry, or set a budget for their own spending.
While they’re learning to budget and plan, stocking their snack drawer with nutritious, easy-to-grab snacks like Proper Corn and Candy Kittens is a great way to ensure they’re fuelling themselves properly, even during busy days.
- Make Room for Their Emotions
As exciting as university is, it can also be incredibly stressful. Whether they’re leaving home for the first time or staying close to home but experiencing a new environment, there’s bound to be a mix of excitement and nerves. Let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, homesick, or even unsure about the decision. Give them space to process it all, and remind them that it’s okay to reach out for help—whether it’s from you, a university counsellor, or new friends.
- Plan Visits, But Give Them Space
While it’s important to let your teenager experience university independently, planning a few visits can give both of you something to look forward to. Just be sure to strike a balance—check in regularly but resist the urge to visit too often or hover. They need the chance to establish themselves without feeling like they’re still tethered to home.
Why not send a care package from Boarding Bite to let them know you’re thinking of them? A box of their favourite snacks can be a sweet reminder of home without being too overbearing.
- Be Prepared for Change
University life changes people, often for the better. Your teen will likely return home during holidays feeling more mature, independent, and possibly with new perspectives on life. It might take some time for you to adjust to these changes too, but just know that this is all part of their growing into a confident, sufficient adult.