Parents' Guide: What to do when they leave
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Make time to talk about what a son or daughter going away to university means for the family
Establish ground rules for what to do in a crisis; how to keep in touch
Do not jump to conclusions about changes in lifestyle
Compare notes with other parents who are in the same position. You are not alone
Re-evaluate your own lifestyle - it may be a good time to retrain, take up a new hobby or go back to an old one. You may decide to go back to full-time employment or to travel abroad
Do not make major changes in lifestyle or to the home without also talking it through with the absent son or daughter
View your child's going to university, not as the end of parenting, but as another stage, like the first day at school or the first day in the sixth form
If you have real worries try contacting the university counselling service
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments