Teaching your student about the college/scholarship process and applications is not a different scenario. There is a step by step process that has to be completed and deadlines that have to be met. Many students have never encountered a process of this magnitude or with as high of a cost. As a parent how do you help them navigate the path of college admissions? Do you explain the process step by step, let them find their own way, or do it for them? In the counseling office, we have a saying that our students are the pilots and we are the copilots. We help to navigate but we shouldn't be flying the plane. A lot can be said for letting the kids take control but, we are aware that crashes can happen and we work to step in for help when a crash is coming. As a parent, we realize that your role looks VERY different, primarily in the paying for college portion, which can have a large impact on where a student attends. It is important to understand the impact that your role, as a parent, can play in your students college search process. Check out a recent and very relevant blog post regarding parents and "helping" your student with their college application.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
College Admissions: Who Is The Pilot ?
As a parent, I am learning that there is a difficult balance when you are teaching your child how to do something. You can be patient and explain the process step by step, leave them to muddle their way through it and likely mess something up, or just do it for them. While the first and second option take MUCH longer, the learning that they experience (even when they tear something up) is meaningful. The last option, which I employ more than I should, is the quickest and easiest in the short term, but what happens long term?
