Attending college is a right of passage during parenting, and is also an exciting time for students. However, it’s no secret that attending college might impact your life in more ways than one. Below are some of the many impacts of enrolling in college and how to get through them.
Better Outlook On Future Career
According to a Noel Levitz presentation at CCCU, students who visit a campus have a 40% higher chance of enrollment. Visiting campus can give a student a better outlook on their future career because they will be able to witness firsthand what the atmosphere of their major is like and see the quality of education they will be receiving. That being said, this experience can also help students decide if college is the right option for them or not. Parents should discuss the pros and cons of attending college with their children, as well as the financial implications of completing a degree.
Higher Earning Potential
One of the most tangible benefits of college is the potential to increase one’s earning potential. College graduates have been shown to earn more than those with just a high school diploma, and employers typically prefer to hire those with higher levels of education. Parenting during this time should involve teaching students the value of a dollar, as well as teaching them how to budget, manage money, and be financially responsible.
Increased Confidence
The college experience is a time when you can gain more confidence and solidify who you are. Perhaps this amplified confidence is why people who have attended college reduce the risk of divorce by more than 10%. For parents, this is a great time to encourage children to try new things and gain the confidence they need to make life decisions.
Attending college can help improve social skills as well. College allows students to interact with people from various backgrounds and connect with those who share similar interests. This makes it easier for them to develop strong relationships and make meaningful connections down the road. Parenting during this time should involve teaching them how to be socially responsible, how to build relationships with others, and how to properly manage their emotions.
Possible Emotional Issues
While some people have a better chance of a long-lasting marriage, evidence shows women initiate divorce almost 70% of the time, but this rate goes up to 90% for college-educated women. Existing relationships might become strained when college begins, as both parties might feel overwhelmed with their own emotions. Parenting should consider teaching their children how to recognize different emotions and how to cope with them in healthy ways. For instance, if your child is feeling stressed, offering them advice on how to deal with the feelings or suggesting activities that can help them relax will be beneficial.
However, this statistic may also be an indicator of emotional intelligence. Knowing when a relationship cannot progress forward and taking the steps to make the best decision for yourself is an invaluable life skill that greatly impacts a person’s overall mental health.
More Responsibility
At college, students don’t have the same level of parental guidance they had at home. This can be a challenge as they transition into adulthood and take on more responsibility. Children need to be taught how to manage their time, make decisions for themselves, and handle independence in a healthy way during this time in their lives. This will help them better adjust to college life and be successful in the long run.
Overall, attending college can be a positive experience that can help shape your future and open up doors of opportunity. Being aware of the potential impacts that it can have on your life is important for both students and parents. Parenting during this time should involve guiding children through the college experience, preparing them for any potential issues, and helping them make informed decisions.
