The Real Parenting Show

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Welcome to The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… who talk this week about how to help your son or daughter in one of the last major milestone of their childhood – adjusting to college life.

Freshmen beginning college usually have expectations about college life long before actually leaving home. Some students look forward to college, and are eager to experience more freedom and adventure. Other individuals may be enthusiastic about college initially, but then discover that the actual experience falls short of their expectations. They don’t feel happy, comfortable, or secure in their new environment. In addition, there are some students who know that leaving home will be difficult and, therefore, dread the thought of packing and going to college.

No matter what the expectations, nearly every student encounters challenging experiences or obstacles at the beginning of college that they didn’t anticipate. Positive life changes produce stress, and certainly the changes involved in leaving home for college are demanding and can lead to varying emotions including sadness, loneliness and worry. These feelings are typical and part of the normal developmental transition to college.

Dr. Pete Stavinoha, neuropsychologist, offers concrete tips on how parents can assist their child as they enter this new phase of life, and also how to cope with becoming “empty nesters” in their own right.

Please note, nothing on The Real Parenting Show should be construed as professional psychological advice specific to you or your child. If you have concerns for anyone in your family, it’s important to make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional in your local area. Thanks for listening to The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… and remember, even though you may not always feel like it, you are the most influential person in your child’s life! If you have any questions or topics you’d like to suggest for future shows, please comment on this blog or call 877.980.2828. Click below to listen to all of Dr. Pete’s straightforward advice and practical tips for real parents raising real kids in the real world, and we hope you’ll subscribe to get our podcast each week.

Dr. Pete and Sara are also the co-authors of Stress-Free Potty Training, A Commonsense Guide To Finding The Right Approach For Your Child (AMACOM Books, 2008). Check out our website, www.StressFreePottyTraining.com, for more information.

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