Setting Expectations That You Can Feel Good About
Parent-to-Parent E/4:29
Welcome to LU Family’s Parent Blog!
This August, we will set are eyes on the Lord, entrust our feelings and thoughts to Him, and allow Him to direct our paths forward into the unknown (based on Proverbs 3:5-6). Discuss your family’s ideas together, you and your student, to create healthy, balanced expectations. And consider the sage wisdom parent-to-parent about roommates and texting/calling home!
What About Living in Close Quarters?
I am so excited to have the students back on campus! One of the biggest changes most students will face is living in close quarters with strangers, and it can be rough sometimes. If it feels at first like things aren’t going well, remind your child that this isn’t forever. But then ask them to consider that maybe God has put them together because he has something more for them! John 13:34 is a commandment for us to love each other without conditions. This doesn’t mean being a doormat but rather to love each other well, with compassion and empathy. Your child is also someone’s first roommate as well, and they are in the perfect place to hone their skills of love and understanding. ~Ann S., Graduate
How Often Do You Text?
I don’t think there is one size fits all for this. There are many ways to handle communication, but ultimately it depends on what works best for your family and student. During preparations for arriving on campus, discuss communication with your student. Let them know if they are really busy to just text to let you know they are alive and well at least once a week. I’ve read that some parents feel lucky to get a phone call or text a week. While others get several texts a day and everything scenario in between. When you feel led to text a short “Praying for you, love you” Or “Hope you have a great day,” just do it. That doesn’t require a response but reminds them that they are loved and prayed for. You may only get a heart or smiley face back, and that is okay. Remember that they are getting use to new EVERYTHING, and it will take a little time to get into a routine and a new normal. They may have a very busy schedule and learning to balance studies with freedom, new friends, and activities. It doesn’t mean they love you less. Give them grace and encouragement. You want them to be happy when they call you. ~Wanda B., Graduate
Blessings and grace to all who hear.
Parent-to-Parent E/4:29’s contributing authors are parents of students that are currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs or have recently graduated and are continuing their higher education in a graduate degree program at Liberty. Each month of the blog, Parent-to-Parent E/4:29 will offer practical tips, helpful guidance, and encouraging wisdom that they may serve you “only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (as in, Ephesians 4:29).
If you are interested in sharing your insights and tips with fellow parents, email your name and student’s ID to LUFamily@liberty.edu today!