Dealing with the academic stress far from home

Prep School Admissions Prep School Parents
21

<p>My D also got a nasty concussion first term. It just adds angst to an already very challenging term.</p>

<p>I would suggest

  1. reassuring him that being an “average” student in his first term is a MAJOR accomplishment and you are unbelievably proud of him. He will soon hear from his peers how many kids have much harder times.
  2. Let him know that a B (or similar number grade) is a good grade at these schools. Shocks these kids, but it is true. Take as much pressure off as you can during their fist year. (Time for pressure will come in junior year.)
  3. Send goody box to help with finals - with stuff to share. Include silly stuffed animal or similar light and funny thing, and chocolate.
  4. Listen to them vent. When we called back in a few days to follow-up (and see if we needed to go)……all was fine and forgotten.</p>
22

<p>Since I got you involved in this topic, I thought it might be useful to bring the episode to closure. Son called tonight out of the blue during our usual 10:15 pm call time. Very upbeat, took his makeup history and math test, felt he did well. Still has a biology exam to make up but confident it will go well. He got asked to the Sadie Hawkins dance by a girl he would like to go with so all is well. He has his plan for exam week in place and when all is said and done, he is ready to come home for a much needed rest. So to all of you parents who have yet to experience a rant, I am here to say this too shall pass and life will go on. Like so many have suggested, to put your mind at ease always touch base with the advisor. I believe they appreciate the heads up especially with the kids who do not present any outward signs of distress.</p>

23

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<p>THIS is the cure-all. Too bad it can’t be conjured at will. Thanks for the update FG.</p>

24

<p>My experience much like FG’s, is that there will be many ups and downs in the four years. There will be times that everything seems to be going South for your student, mono or roommate/friends issues, academic struggle, then as quickly as things plummeted, you receive a call from your student who is back on top and he’s high flying. I think lessons learned, stay the course. Seek help when needed, but don’t panic, things will likely turn around…again…and again. But in the end, believe in your student…things will turn out okay.</p>