As a parent, I often wonder if I am too involved in my children’s decision-making process. Should I allow them to discover things on their own and learn from their mistakes? Or should I get involved, guiding them to make the “better” choice from my perspective?
If you are concerned about how involved you are in your son or daughter’s college planning process, here are some DOs and DON’Ts I would recommend from the college admissions side of the table.
DOs
1. Support and encourage your child’s genuine interests in choosing a college.
2. Have them communicate with the college admissions offices directly.
3. Prepare your child for the possibility of disappointment.
4. Give them realistic expectations of your part in paying for college.
DON’Ts
1. Make the college planning process about you.
2. Call the college admissions offices for them.
3. Judge them for wanting more or less than you had.
4. Complete their applications or write their essays for them.
For more information on the parent’s role in the college planning process, check out these links:
Peterson’s – College Admission Requirements and the Parent’s Role
NY Times – When Parents ‘Too Invested’ in College Admissions Make Their Children Anxious
