Colman Noctor: Adjusting to a new role when your child heads off to college
Dr Colman Noctor: "While I would encourage parents to help their child with practical preparations, such as packing, moving, and setting up their new space, you also need them to take the lead in much of this process."
This time of year can be exciting and stressful for many families. In the space of a week, the Leaving Cert results are published, and the CAO offers places in third-level institutes to those who were successful. For many, it's a joyous time with lots of celebrations and exciting last-minute planning, but there can be deep disappointment for others who did not get the offers they hoped for.
While parents need to allow their adult children to feel disappointed, it is essential to encourage them to see other opportunities that may be open to them. I often use the sat nav metaphor in therapy with clients. The metaphor reminds us that just because we have missed a turn, our destination doesn’t have to change, only the route. And sometimes, the scenic route can be more enjoyable.
