Ways to Support Your Student in College
Tangible Support Ideas
Visiting them on campus
Help them moving into and out of their dorm/apartment
Sending care packages (You could send a Walmart grocery order to their dorm room!)
Send “life reminders” such as family member birthdays, graduations, baptisms, and photos
Show up when you can for your students' events (i.e. games, performances, inaugurations, etc.)
Clarify what expenses you plan to cover financially as their parent and what they will be expected to cover
Let them know you want to be available if they have questions about taxes, healthcare, or other new “adulthood” topics they will need to navigate
Emotional Support Ideas
Call out growth that you see in them
Remind them that you believe in them and that you are proud of them
Get know the clubs/organizations they are involved in and ask thoughtful questions about them
Establish a regular rhythm of check-ins (i.e. phone call once a week, texting every couple of days, etc.)
Ask open-ended questions about their life (Topics such as friends, work, classes, goals, and life dreams are great options!)
Spiritual Support Ideas
Send occasional Scripture or prayers as encouragement
Pray Bible verses over your student everyday (Here is a prayer list!)
Encourage your student to get involved in Challenge and attend Challenge events
Research churches in Emporia to help your student find a healthy one to be involved in
Be a safe space for them to share doubts or questions about faith without fear of judgement - remember that the process of doubt and questioning is often important for them deepen faith and make it their own