Success and Sanity on the College Campus

A Guide for Parents

By (author) Diana Trevouledes, Ingrid Grieger

Publication date:

20 September 2012

Length of book:

164 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

ISBN-13: 9781610481014

Written by two experienced college mental health professionals, this practical nuts-and-bolts guide for parents of prospective and current college students offers an insider’s view of the realities and complexities of today’s campus life. Recognizing that college students rank their parents as their primary source of support and advice, the authors provide parents with the specific information and recommendations they need to offer the best assistance possible. In this book, parents will learn about the most significant factors to be considered in making a wise decision about college selection, about the process of making a successful transition to college, about the potential pitfalls inherent in college life, and the warning signs and risk factors for psychological distress. In addition, parents will become acquainted with the protective factors and the resources available on the campus that enhance academic success and persistence to graduation, as well as emotional health and well-being. Throughout, parents will learn to distinguish between those situations in which they should intervene directly and those in which they should offer support from the sidelines. Parents will be able to help their student make their time in college a joyful, productive, and ultimately successful experience.

Introduction
Brief Overview by Chapter
Chapter One
The Role of the Parent in Promoting Emotional Wellness: A Basic Framework
Roots and Wings
The Caring and Supportive Parent vs. the “Helicopter” Parent
Expectations for the College Student
A Word About Privacy and Confidentiality
Knowing When to Let Go
Your Changing Relationship with Your Child
When Should a Parent Get Involved

Chapter Two
Helping with College Selection and Preparation
The Importance Of Best Fit
Some Factors To Consider
Academic Reputation and Rankings
Retention and Graduation Rates
Finances
Location and Distance from Home
School Size and Class Size
Faculty
Curriculum and Academic Resources
Student Population and Diversity Resources
Housing Options
Services for Special Needs Students
Structured First-Year Experience
The On-Campus Visit
A Difficult Question for Parents: Is My Child Ready?
What If My Child Has Psychological Problems

Chapter Three
The Transition to College and How Parents Can Help
The Importance of the First Year of College
Academic Challenges
Separation Anxiety, Homesickness and Loneliness
Identity Development
Choosing a Major and Career Decision Making
Living Arrangements
Problems at Home
Diversity and Cultural Challenge
What If My Child Continues to Struggle?

Chapter Four
Today’s Campus Environment: What Parents Should Know About the Realities of College Life
No In Loco Parentis
Increase in Mental Health Concerns on the Campus
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Sexual Assault
Date Rape Drugs
Unhealthy Relationships
Sexual Harassment on Campus
Roommate Conflicts
Privacy in Cyberspace
Bullying and Cyber-bullying
Hazing
Bias Incidents
Campus Violence

Chapter Five
Recognizing Signs of Psychological Problems, Chemical Dependency and Addictive Behavior:
What Parents Need to Know
Disorders Observed in College Age Students
Depression
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Self Injury
Trauma, Loss and Grief Reactions
Anger and Aggression
Stress and Anxiety
Schizophrenia
Bi-polar Disorder
Eating Disorders
Troubled and Dangerous Students
Chemical Dependency and Addictive Behaviors
Alcohol Abuse and Dependency
Other Substances and Abuse
Legal/Prescription Drugs
Illegal Drugs
Signs of Substance Abuse
Guidelines for Parents Regarding Substance Abuse
Gambling Addiction and Compulsive Gaming
Additional Recommendations for Parents

Chapter Six
Campus Services and Resources
The Counseling Center/Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Office of Student Retention/Student Success
Health Services
Alcohol and Other Drug Services
Office of Residential Life
Office of Disabilities/Learning Needs
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Campus Ministries
International Studies Office
Academic Resource Services
Career Services
Office of Student Affairs/Student Life
Student Financial Services
Campus Safety and Security
Office of the Ombudsperson
How Parents Can Learn More about Student Services

Chapter Seven
Promoting Emotional Wellness and Student Success: Some Approaches That Work
Effective Parent/College Student Communication
Reducing Stress and Developing Coping Skills
Maintaining Perspectives: Changing Thoughts and Self-talk
Cultivating Happiness and Recognizing Signature Strengths
Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Respect
Encouraging Healthy Life-Style Choices
Knowing the Factors that Support Success
Advocating for Mental Health and Other Student Services on Campus

Conclusion

As mental-health professionals and counselors on college campuses, Trevouledes and Grieger have seen firsthand the kinds of situations parents obsess over, everything from stressful classes to roommate incompatibility to mental-health crises. Unlike most college guides, which are aimed at helping students make the transition from home to college, this one focuses on parents, helping them deal with issues of privacy and expectations as children make that transition. The authors offer solid advice on campus resources that are likely available, but they emphasize how parents themselves can prepare to be strong resources for their children. They detail the challenges they’ve seen students face, including abuse of drugs and alcohol, sexual harassment, and cyberbullying. They guide parents by listing warning signs for problems that may require intervention, including signs of substance abuse as well as psychological disorders, with as much emphasis on strategies for helping to reduce stress—parents’ and students’—as on those for promoting emotional well-being. Parents and counselors will find this a useful guide and resource.