 Partnering for a Successful Transition Maura Mulligan, Director Wentworth Center for Wellness and Disability Services

This is a difficult time for both parents and students. As much as things are changing, some things remain the same. Your Student:  Needs you  Loves you  Respects your opinion  Operates based on the values you instilled

 Know that these are a time of significant transition  Your student will need you to be there to: o Listen, listen, listen o Role play out difficult situations o Encourage self advocacy o Come visit for Family Weekend (if possible) o Encourage involvement in campus activities Be in touch with campus partners if you have significant concerns

Be supportive during calls, reminding them that all changes take time to adjust to. May need to limit calls and texts to allow you both to adjust Make attempts at limiting a desire to “fix issues” with roommates and/or classes Encourage them to spend a weekend or two away from their partner/home friends in an effort to meet new friends. Maintain normalcy at home. The first semester of college, continuity at home is key. Don’t turn their bedroom into a fitness or sewing room Keep a space for their personal items that they left behind

 Have your student wake themselves up each morning  Ensure that they know how to wash their own laundry  Assist them with budget planning and managing their own money  Work with them around making healthy food choices  Encourage them to schedule their own doctors appointment and take over renewing their medications  Work on organizational skills such as using a calendar to remember important dates and events

Roommates Finances Safety Diversity Sexuality Alcohol and other drugs Campus Resources

 Acknowledge this is a tough transition for you too!  Try to get involved in other activities if this is your only/last child going off to college  If your child is commuting you may need to adjust to their new role within the family and less time to assist at home  If younger children are at home, focus on new family dynamics that may arise o More attention or responsibilities on siblings  Plan ahead for college student coming home at breaks….

Your student WILL have different expectations  Different sleep schedules  Are used to no curfews  May look or act different  May bring home new friends/partners  Chores? What chores? Communicate Expectations!

Don’t let your student get away with just saying it was “fine”!  Ask specific questions o What in particular did you enjoy? (2 favorite things) o Did you find anything challenging? o Are you feeling better or more anxious about attending? o Was there anything that you think we could work on together for the next two months? The answers may give you insight into how their transition will go and where you can assist.

 If you son or daughter has an medical, physical, learning, or psychological disability, please complete the blue form enclosed in your admissions packet and schedule an intake as soon as possible with Disability Services  Some common disabilities needing accommodations are ADHD, Traumatic Brian Injuries, Asperger’s Syndrome, Anxiety Disorders, or any situations that required 504 or IEP’s at the high school level.

 Presentation available on the Center for Wellness and Disability Services website.  