As a parent, sending your child off to college can be a mix of emotions: pride, excitement, and anxiety. One of the most common concerns for parents is the potential for homesickness. Homesickness is a natural feeling that many college students experience when they are away from home for an extended period of time. It can manifest itself as feelings of loneliness, sadness, or depression, and can be a real challenge for both the student and the parent. But there are ways to help your college student cope with homesickness and make the transition to college life a little easier.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that homesickness is normal. It’s a natural part of the adjustment process to college life and should not be dismissed or brushed aside. Encourage your child to talk openly and honestly with you about how they are feeling. Let them know that it’s okay to feel homesick and that it’s normal to miss home and loved ones. Being able to express their feelings without fear of judgment will help them to work through the homesickness. One effective way to help your child cope with homesickness is to have regular check-ins to see how they are doing.
Another helpful tactic is to help your child establish a routine and a sense of normalcy. Encourage them to get involved in extracurricular activities and clubs that align with their interests, this will help them to make new friends and create a sense of community on campus. Also, help them schedule time for self-care, like exercise, yoga, or meditation, which are helpful ways for them to de-stress and feel more at home.
You can also send your child care packages or little thoughtful gifts to remind them of home. Things like their favorite snacks, a picture of the family, or a cozy wearable blanket can be comforting and help them feel more connected to home. These little gestures will make them feel special and loved, which is important when feeling homesick.
Here are 23 fun college care package ideas
- Self Care Subscription Box
- A care package filled with their favorite snacks and treats
- A bluetooth speaker night light
- A massaging pillow
- A homemade meal or baked goods
- A gift card to their favorite restaurant or store
- A mini polaroid camera
- A set of fun, colorful stationery
- A cute, funny or sentimental T-shirt or hoodie, or a quilt of their favorite old T-shirts
- Silly socks
- Bedside bunk bed shelf
- Calming essential oils and a room diffuser
- A journal or planner
- A care package full of personal care and toiletries items.
- A package of nice pens/pencils and a notebook
- A subscription box that caters to a specific interest (e.g. cooking, beauty, fitness)
- Easy college cookbook
- A stuffed animal
- Send fresh flowers
- Birthday Chocolate from zChocolat.com – Shower a friend, family member, or colleague with sweetness on their special day.
- Cozy slippers
- Concert tickets
- Gift certificate to a spa
It’s also important to remember that as a parent, you should take care of yourself as well. The transition to college life can be stressful for both you and your child, so it’s important that you take time for yourself and practice self-care. Consider joining a support group for parents of college students or seek the help of a therapist if you need it.
In conclusion, homesickness is a normal feeling for college students, and as a parent, there are many ways you can help your child cope. By staying in touch, establishing a routine and sense of normalcy, helping them get involved on campus, and sending care packages, you can help your child feel more connected to home and loved ones. Remember that this transition is not only hard on your child, but also on you, so take care of yourself and seek help if you need it.
