5 Pieces Of Advice That Every Parent Should Give To Their College-Bound Kid
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Pieces Of Advice That Every Parent Should Give To Their College-Bound Kid

Stay true to yourself.

38
5 Pieces Of Advice That Every Parent Should Give To Their College-Bound Kid

Growing up, I always looked up to my parents. They were my inspirations and role models. I admired their perseverance, dedication, and independence. Throughout my childhood, they were my personal cheerleaders and built-in best friends. While they have given me dozens of pieces of advice over the past eighteen years, these are the ones that have helped shape me into the person that I am today.

Your health is always number one priority

My parents have taught me that you can achieve the most when your health is good. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you must find the time to exercise no matter how busy your schedule is. In addition, you must learn how to handle stress so that it does not impact your mood or sleep. It is especially important to keep this in mind in college because it is the most important period of your life to grow and explore. As a result of this piece of advice, every day I ensure that I have an hour devoted to exercise whether that is running on the treadmill, swimming, or biking and half an hour to de-stress by journaling or doing yoga.

Do what makes you happy

Over the years, my parents have told me to evaluate my happiness whenever starting a new school, job or hobby. They never forced me to participate in any activities that I have not shown passion or initiative towards. I have realized that I can easily reach my greatest potential when I demonstrate excitement and interest for an assignment or hobby.

Live in the moment

During high school, there have been countless ups and downs. I remember thinking that graduation was so far away. Whenever my parents noticed that I was stressed or anxious, they would calmly reassure me and tell me to simply live in the moment. They advised me to forget about past mistakes and to not anticipate the future. They were right, of course. Once I was able to let bygones be bygones and stop fearing what the future holds, I was able to live much more freely and stress-free. I learned how to value and make the most out of each moment.

It is okay to make mistakes

Throughout my childhood, my parents were never disappointed in me whenever I made mistakes. They always boosted me up when I did not achieve perfect scores on a test, did not receive the top award, or messed up at my piano recital. They believed that you can learn the most when you make mistakes. The lessons you learn from mistakes are the ones that last the longest. When I was deciding which college I was going to attend this fall, my parents told me that no matter where I end up going, it is important to branch out and try new things regardless if I make mistakes along the way.

Always be true to yourself

This is the most important piece of advice. In college, it is so easy to be swept away and follow the flow. However, it is essential that you do not lose what makes you unique in the process. My parents have taught me that it is okay, and often times, good to be be different and stand out. Even though it has been one of my hardest challenges, I have learned how to fight off peer pressure and learn how to make decisions based on what was best for me and not others.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58919
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38037
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959547
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195725
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments