college adjustment
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Survival skills for parents
Signs of unhappy students
When trouble becomes too much to handle, such as a flunked test, messy breakup, and shrunken laundry all in one day, any student may be convinced coming home is the best solution. But how can parents tell the difference between a bad day and a truly unhappy student?
Early recognition of potential dropout signs isn’t difficult once you know what to look for. Warning signs include:
• Rarely leaving his or her room. Everyone needs a little personal time now and then, but when a student spends more time in the room than out, there may be a problem.
• Skipping classes frequently. Classes are an investment, and not going means the student probably has other priorities.
• Going home every weekend or two. When students retreat to the comfort of home too often, they miss out on the college experience happening while they’re away. Too many trips home can also reveal that something is missing for these students.
• Calling home often. There’s nothing wrong with missing your folks, but as with anything, too much can mean something else is going on.
• Failing to move in completely. Clothes not unpacked, pictures not hung, and boxes still stacked halfway through the semester don’t compute with the happy and adjusted student equation.
• Failing to reapply for financial aid or housing. This seems obvious, but lack of concern for important deadlines points to other problems.
You know your child, so remember these are just general guidelines. If you sense anything out of the ordinary, such as overwhelming negativity, a drastic slip in grades, or even partying too much, help your student get help or find a solution. And if you feel the issue is beyond your reach, contact K-State’s Counseling Services. This office can help resolve whatever’s wrong.
See what Counseling Services offers