First, in reality, there are going to be some things that you have not prepared your incoming college freshman for. That is just the nature of this transition, especially for parents navigating this stage of their kid’s life for the first time. There will be some things that you did a great job talking with your kids about, and there will be some things that were neglected. Don’t let your anxiety over what you didn’t talk to them about paralyze you for future conversations.
Second, you need to approach your kid’s transition into college as an opportunity for ongoing conversations that take place not only in college but throughout life. This is not a one-time talk and then you’re done. It’s never too late to create and take advantage of opportunities to talk with your kids as they too try to navigate this transition in their life.
Keeping these two things in my mind, there are at least four key areas that are important for parents to think through:
(Story from Fuller Youth Institute’s Sticky Faith.)