Advising Tip | Parents Weekend and Family: Set Boundaries

By Sara Berens
Academic Advisor and Retention Specialist

Sara Berens

Family. Sometimes you love them and sometimes you feel highly annoyed by them. Either way they can be a good resource and support system while you are in college (and beyond).

So with your family coming to Athens for Parents Weekend, I suggest that you think about the following tips:

• Set boundaries. College is the time for you to figure out who you are as an adult, and that includes letting your family know what your boundaries are. Do you want a call every night? Should they have access to your educational records?
• Take care of your own business. As an adult, you need to learn how to take care of issues as they arise, including with faculty and staff. So instead of asking your family to step in, first consider if it’s an issue you can handle on your own.
• Use them as a sounding board for your goals. Your family can be a good resource when you are considering major life decisions. Just remember that YOU have the final say!
• Call home every once in a while. Hearing the voice of loved ones can be reassuring.
• Give thanks. Your family has helped you reach the goal of going to college. Giving thanks shows that you acknowledge their support and will also help you feel grateful.
• Have fun together! View the entire list of Parent’s Weekend events.