As your student prepares to begin college, you are entering a transition of your own. For many years, you have managed schedules, monitored assignments, offered frequent reminders, and helped solve problems as they arose. Those daily acts of care have helped your student reach this important milestone. Now, your role begins to change—not because your student needs you less, but because they need your support in a different way. 

One of the greatest gifts of the college experience is the opportunity for students to discover their own strengths and develop confidence in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. They will make decisions, manage responsibilities, build relationships, and learn how to overcome setbacks along the way. That growth does not happen all at once, and it is rarely a perfectly smooth process. Students may miss a deadline, struggle with a class, feel uncertain about a friendship, or make a choice they later reconsider. While it can be difficult to watch from a distance, these experiences often become some of their most important opportunities to develop confidence, judgment, and resilience.   

In my work with college students, I have seen how meaningful this shift can be. I often think about a student who was struggling in one of their classes during their first semester. Their first instinct was to have a parent reach out on their behalf. Instead, with encouragement from both home and campus, the student met with their professor and developed a plan for improvement. The challenge did not disappear overnight, but the student gained something perhaps even more valuable than a higher grade, a newfound confidence in their ability to navigate a difficult situation on their own. By their senior year, that same student was an Advising Captain, mentoring classmates and helping new students advocate for themselves. Moments like these remind us that student success is not only measured by grades or accomplishments, but also by a student’s growing ability to advocate for themselves. 

One of the most helpful things parents and families can do is shift from immediately solving a problem to helping their student think through it. When your student calls with a concern, consider asking questions such as, “What have you tried?” “Who on campus could help?” or “What do you think your next step should be?” These conversations communicate something important: confidence in their ability to navigate challenges while reminding them they are supported every step of the way. 

Communication will continue to be important, but it may look different than it has in the past. Some students will call or text frequently, while others may reach out less as they settle into new routines, friendships, and responsibilities. Before the semester begins, consider having a conversation about how often you’d like to connect and how you’ll navigate challenges when they arise. At the same time, allowing those expectations to evolve creates space for your student to develop greater independence while staying connected to home. Striking this balance between support and independence will help your student build confidence in themselves while knowing they have a strong foundation of encouragement behind them. 

Please encourage your student to use the many people and resources available to them at Randolph-Macon. Faculty members, academic advisors, residence life staff, coaches, counselors, and the Center for Student Success are all part of a community committed to helping students thrive. When a challenge arises, guiding your student toward the appropriate campus resource is often more valuable than contacting that office on their behalf. Learning how to introduce themselves, explain a concern, and seek assistance is an essential part of becoming a capable and confident adult. 

We recognize that this growth requires patience and trust from students and families alike. There will be moments when stepping back feels uncomfortable, just as there will be moments when your student needs reassurance, perspective, or a familiar voice. We encourage you to trust both your student’s ability to grow through challenges and the Randolph-Macon community’s commitment to supporting them along the way. When families and the College work together, students benefit from both a strong support system and the space to develop the confidence and independence that will serve them long after graduation.   

We are grateful to partner with you on this important journey and look forward to supporting your student throughout their Randolph-Macon experience.