Encourage your student to talk, and then listen. Use open-ended questions that encourage reflective responses. This is especially important as your student returns from SST and needs help to process the impact of the experience. The more you and your student talk, the more likely your student will also come to you when he or she is having problems.
	Discuss academic expectations. Communicate to your student about educational goals and expectations in a manner that guides rather than pressures. College students need to have the freedom to pursue their own passions, not live thier parent's dream.
	Support your student's developing problem-solving skills, rather than rushing in to fix everything. One minute college students are the models of independence and the next, they call in tears. Know when your child needs more direct help and when to let them handle situations on their own.
	Talk about finances. Make sure your student knows how to manage their personal finances and stick to a budget. College students do not need to start a lifetime habit of credit card debt.
	Pray daily for your son or daughter, his or her friends, professors and other faculty mentors. Pray that God, who began a good work in them, will keep working in their lives every day.
	Discuss what to do when your student gets sick. Talk about the importance of proper rest and nutrition, how to use insurance and when to go to GC's Student Wellness and Health Center.
	Teach your student how to do their own laundry. Learning to separate colors is not only a good deterrant to pink underwear, it's also one more signal that your student is independent and capable of taking care of themselves. Encourage them to learn to do their own laundry even if they commute or live close enough to bring it home.
	Discuss time management. Students must learn how to get themselves up to be on time for classes and how to achieve a balance between studies, extracurricular activities, work, and social life. Professors expect students to independently follow the course outlines to keep up with the readings and work outside the classroom.
	Stay connected. Little things do count. Parents and students need to determine ways to stay involved in each other's lives and remember to do the little things that remind someone of their love. Cards sent home, care packages sent to school, pictures of events that were missed and email provide a way to stay connected.

Supporting and meeting the needs of parents is the goal of the Parent Relations office at Goshen College. Talking with other GC parents is also helpful. Please take the opportunity to interact with other parents and Parents Council members from your area during Orientation Weekend, Aug. 21-22, 2004. or during Family Weekend, Nov 5-7, 2004.