Tips for Parents of New College Students

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Neutrogena. The opinions and text are all mine.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you already know that we’re going through some major changes around here. My daughter will be our first child to head off to college, and I’ve been feeling emotional thinking about move-in day. If you’re also in the “sad parent” boat, I want to share with you a few tips to help you during this transition:

Tips for Parents of New College Students

Be excited

I’ll admit that I’ve gone through my bouts of sadness when I think about dropping my daughter off at college. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m also excited for my daughter. Your child’s time in college will pass by quickly. Encourage your child to learn, grow, and form new friendships during this exciting time.

Encourage them

Encourage your child to create academic goals. Be there for them when they’re feeling overwhelmed with coursework, and advise them to take advantage of their campus resources. The first year of college is always the hardest. Let them sort things out on their own, but don’t be afraid to offer guidance when they need it.

Embrace change

It’s not all about us, or how sad we’ll be when they leave. Things are about to change for everyone in the home. While you’re going through the emotions of facing a big transition, so is your college student and their siblings. Try to embrace this new season in your life, and focus on the positive things that it will bring.

Let it go

You won’t be able to control every decision your college student makes. Let them stumble, but be there to help them get back up. Guide them without trying to control what they do. Most college students are adults, this is the time to let them make decisions without handholding them.

Send care packages

Nothing says “I love you” more than a care package from home. Surprise your college student with their favorite snacks, drinks, magazines or local treats that they enjoy. I’m lucky that my daughter will be attending college in our state, so I can simply hop in my car to go visit her. But this hasn’t stopped me from making a list of things I will drop off or mail to her, including her favorite skin products. While in college, the last thing I want my daughter to worry about is her skin which is why Neutrogena is my go-to for breakouts.

Neutrogena has made it easier than ever to find the right routine for your skin type with the SolveMyAcne.com quiz. You can check out the SolveMyAcne.com quiz to discover your own personalized acne routine and share your results on social, using the hashtag #LetsSolveIt and tag @Neutrogena.