Key points

Validate the college student's feelings—don’t just jump in to solve their problems.

Encourage routines with structure and consistency.

Plan visits to provide connection and perspective.

Shift their focus to upcoming breaks to reduce rumination.

This is the time of year when I get loads of calls from parents about their college students who started strong (who wouldn’t when there’s no homework, and it’s 80 degrees and sunny?) but are experiencing significant anxiety , fear , and avoidance. Maybe their social life is too good and doesn’t allow time for schoolwork. Maybe their classes hit flood stage, and there’s no end in sight. Here is a list of the strategies I recommend to most effectively support and nudge college students when you’re so far away.

1. Validate. Don’

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