FIVE TIPS FOR PAARENTS WHOSE KIDS ARE STARTING UNIVERSITY ... ALONE!

by Dr Emma Hepburn aka The Pyschology Mum

PRACTICAL PREPARATIONS

DISCUSS vital skills that your child will need at university: budgeting, household tasks (such as laundry) and first aid. Teach them some simple recipes, too. And pack their favourite mug from home. It will offer comfort if feeling homesick.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

IT’S normal for your child to have mixed emotions on leaving home.

And most universities have a wellbeing centre that can help students look after themselves. Encourage your child to maintain connections, stay hydrated, get a good night’s sleep and eat well. If they’re struggling, suggest going to their GP to see what help is available.

DO A RECON TRIP

MOVING your child to university can feel like a military operation so, if you can, visit the campus beforehand. Locate the student union, the sports facilities and their lecture rooms. Visit their accommodation and locate the laundry room, dining facilities, nearest supermarket, GP surgery and register them there. This will help them feel more settled when they start term.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

SPEAK about how and when you will catch up and let them know you are always there to talk. Send texts to show you care but don’t be upset if they don’t reply — college life can be hectic for freshers.

FIND SOME ME TIME

STARTING university isn’t just a transition for your child but for you too, so take care of yourself. Talk to friends in the same position. You’ll also probably have some time on your hands, so do something you’ve always wanted to but couldn’t when the kids were home — a quiz night, cooking or simply having the TV remote to yourself. And remember, it’s normal to be worried about your children but they will be back before you know it (probably with a pile of laundry!)

A ToolkiT for Happiness by Dr Emma Hepburn, Greenfinch, £14.99.