Supporting Your College Student Through Homesickness
This blog was sparked by my many conversations with parents of college students that are strong, independent, and excited about going away to college but after a week of being away are now terribly homesick. I too experienced this with both of my children. The excitement of being on this new journey can quickly shift to feelings of homesickness, leaving you wondering how best to support them from miles away. Here you will find some ideas on how you can be a source of comfort and encouragement during this transition.
Reach out to your college student regularly, but be mindful not to overwhelm them. There is a fine line between what they see as check ins and smothering (they are teens after all this is not easy). A simple text or call can make them feel connected without adding pressure.
When they share their feelings of homesickness, listen attentively and validate their emotions. Let them know it's okay to feel this way and that you're there to support them. Make sure to remind them that they are not alone in their feelings.
While it's natural to want to swoop in and rescue your child from homesickness, encourage them to find their own solutions. This will empower them to develop coping mechanisms and resilience. As difficult as it is to see your child struggle, stay strong. Say things like , "you got this”, “you are capable of doing hard things”. One of my favorites, my friend Yvonne said to her daughter, “amazing things happen outside of our comfort zone”.
Offer suggestions for managing homesickness, such as staying connected with friends and family, exploring their new surroundings, and engaging in activities they enjoy. It is not healthy for them to scroll social media and believe everything they see. Most do not post about the sadness they too feel when they are alone.
A surprise care package filled with their favorite snacks, small mementos from home, and supportive notes can bring a smile to their face and make them feel loved.
Encourage your child to get involved in campus activities and clubs. Engaging with their peers and finding a sense of belonging can help combat homesickness.
If their homesickness is affecting their well-being or academics, suggest reaching out to the college's counseling services and their professors. Remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
When they overcome challenges and make positive strides, regardless of how small, celebrate their achievements. Remind them of their resilience and growth.
While visits from home can provide a sense of comfort, encourage them to establish their routine before planning visits. This way, they'll feel more settled when you're not around.
Reiterate that homesickness is temporary and that they are on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. The challenges they face now will shape them into strong, capable adults.
Remember, your role as a parent is to provide unwavering support and encouragement. As I stated earlier they are teens after all, none of this is “easy”. Putting pen to paper or in this case typing words into this blog is much easier than dealing with the pain your children might be going through. I hope this advice is helpful. Remember to stay strong and do not bottle up your own feelings as they too need to be communicated and validated!
I am here for you!
-Lydia
