Parent Resources

 
At Counseling, Health & Wellness we know that there can be challenges along the way. Students will be exposed to new ideas and a diverse culture that will be exciting and exhilarating. As they become involved with clubs and activities, latent interests and strengths will surface. Professors will become mentors and encouragers. Even so, students may be more stressed than ever as they feel pressured to excel academically, be active socially, and work part-time all while deciding specific career paths.
 
Your student, who may never have felt nervous or sad during high school, may call you in distress; feeling overwhelmed by their class load, homesickness, or roommate problems. Your son or daughter may be coming to college with concerns you are already aware of such as depression or anxiety. On the other hand, your Saint may have no idea what to major in let alone pursue as a career. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with our services and how we can be helpful if needed. As parents, you can “let go” and still “be there” for your student.
 
Letters from Counseling Services to AQ Parents

• Parent of 1st year student
• Parent of 2nd year student
• Parent of 3rd year student
• Parent of 4th year student
• Parent of 5th year student
• Parent of Master student
• Parent of non-traditional student

 
Already Identified Concerns
If your student has previously sought counseling services or mental health treatment, your son or daughter should contact the Counseling Center before school starts. We recommend that your student have a continuing treatment plan in place at the beginning of school. We can collaborate with your son or daughter and integrate our services into the plan. If needed, we can provide a list of local providers for your Saint to contact before school starts. We have found that adjustment to college goes much more smoothly if these issues are addressed beforehand.
 
Consultation
Our counselors are available to discuss concerns you may have about your student. Confidentiality promotes trust in counseling relationships. We cannot answer specific questions about your student’s treatment without their permission. We can discuss generally how parents can be helpful when their sons and daughters face various challenges.
 
Many Reasons
Students seek counseling services for many reasons including relationships, homesickness, roommate issues, lifestyle choices and general “growing pains” that can grow into behavior problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Your Saint can talk to us about anything that is on his or her mind.
 
Articles

Assisting Your Graduate with the Job Search (pdf)                          
Summer: Stress or Sizzle? (pdf)
Beating Holiday Stress (pdf)                                                          
The Challenge of Confining Conditions (pdf)
Break from Study, Break from Friends (pdf)                                    
The Winter Blues (pdf)
Graduation (pdf)                                                                    
When Your Son or Daughter Leaves for College (pdf)
Navigating Career Fairs (pdf)                                                        
Parents Guide to Career Development
                                                         
 
Helpful Resources
Parents are encouraged to call Aquinas if they have any concerns for their child. Below are some suggested readings to help ease the transition to college:
"I'll Miss You Too: An Off-to-College Guide For Parents and Students," by Margo E. Woodacre Bane and Steffany Bane
"Let the Journey Begin: A Parent's Monthly Guide to the College Experience," by Jacqueline MacKay and Wanda Ingram
"Don't Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College," by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller
"When Kids Go to College: A Parent's Guide to Changing Relationships," by Barbra M. Newman and Philip Newman
"Empty Nest... Full Heart: the Journey from Home to College," by Andrea Van Steenhouse
"When Your Kids Go to College; A Parent's Survival Guide," by Carol Barking
"You're On Your Own (But I'm Here if You Need Me): Mentoring your Child During the College Years," by Marjorie Savage
 
*Some tips are taken from Pepperdine University, New York University, and from Jobweb.com