Parents

Become familiar with all the great services that are available to students at Vanier. If your student has questions about how to access services and resources, you will be better equipped to assist him/her with finding this information.

Ask questions, but give your student space to grow and explore. There is a balance that must be maintained.

Don’t worry. This can be difficult. Remember that worrying does not change anything, and can often affect the anxiety level of others.

Trust your new student. Each person must experience life lessons their own way. Know that your new student will ultimately take what they were meant to learn from their educational experience and apply it in their own way.

Encourage more than just academic life. Learning shouldn’t be restricted to the classroom. Volunteering, intramural sports and working with the Vanier College Students’ Association are all great ways for students to learn new skills and meet new people. Greater involvement in college life tends to result in higher grades and lower drop-out rates.

Here are some suggestions for helping your son or daughter get involved:

• Vanier College Students Association
• Athletics
• Intramural Teams
• Universal Break activities
• Volunteering at any or the study and resource centres on campus

Learn to let go. A student learns from his mistakes. As painful as it is to watch him stumble and even fall on occasion, each experience is a valuable part of growing and learning. If your student works through the problem on his or her own, perhaps with a little friendly guidance from you, they will be less likely to make the same mistake again.

Be realistic about academic achievement and grades. Adjusting to post-secondary life can take some time and students may need to learn new study and learning skills.

Respect the privacy and confidentiality of your student. Vanier College cannot release information to a third party without consent, including relatives, of the student who is over 18 years of age.

Listen, Listen, Listen. Communication is an important tool in ensuring that your relationship with your son or daughter remains strong. Don’t make assumptions about what would be most helpful. Ask! Your student will let you know. However, asking pointed questions about what grade he got on his paper or suggesting he isn’t studying enough are likely to lead to feelings of anger and resentment. Take your cues from your student.

Letting Go information is adaped from Letting Go on the SAIT Polytechnic
http://www.furtheryourpassion.ca/parents/letting-go.html