Page 35 - UMKC Parent and Family Insider

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Student life expert Vicki Nelson has suggestions for transfer/time off conversations.
“Is this the best time to make a decision?”
Your student could be reacting to disappointing irst semester grades or the winter blues. Help them put things in perspective, and share the health tips on p. 38.
“Maybe irst semester is actually a foundation you can build on.” First-year students may not realize how much they’ve learned — and changed. What new understanding do they have, both in subject matter and “college knowledge”? What connections have they made?
“Is the problem with the school or with you?”
A student who wants to transfer should consider whether any problems — social, academic, etc. — will simply transfer with them.
“Is the grass really greener somewhere else?”
Your student may feel they would prefer a larger school, a smaller school, a school closer to home or further away. They may want a major the current school does not offer. There are good and valid reasons to transfer; help your student be realistic in their expectations.
Recently I emailed my son: “If you take time off, what do you picture yourself doing that will help you accomplish the goal of getting to know yourself better?
Is there an experience you’d love to have that can’t happen at college?” I’m eager to hear his answers, and open to his ideas. It just may be that his higher education journey takes a turn or two that neither of us expected.
“Can you make changes that will put you in a better spot?”
Can they study differently, change
their living situation, focus on time management? Maybe their major isn’t a good it. Talk about that.
MORE CONVERSATIONS
Sophomore slump is a real and normal thing.
The novelty has worn off and there can be disenchantment with the whole college experience. Your student may still be struggling to ind a community on campus.
· Remind your sophomore that everyone’s college career has highs and lows.
· Upper-level courses are hard. It’s okay to ask for help, and also to take a class just for the fun of it now and then.
· Point out the positives of being a sophomore: closer relationships with faculty, leadership opportunities, etc.
· Encourage them to try a new activity or drop something if their schedule is overloaded.
· Be sure to address mental health concerns. They should schedule self-care time into their daily life.
· It might boost their spirits to research study abroad or summer internship opportunities or plan a fun spring break adventure.