3. Listen. Get to know your child's reactions to his or her new world. Your child's reactions are not the same as yours. Your child is not you and may have different needs, likes, skills and desires than you have.

4. When you problem-solve with your child, encourage him or her to take an active and equal role in the problem-solving. Do not immediately tell your child how to resolve a problem. Instead, ask your child "What ideas do you have? How would those ideas work?" Teach your child to problem-solve for himself or herself.

5. Be alert to signs of stress in your child. Experiencing some stress when entering a new situation is quite normal. You can reassure your child of this. If, however, the stress persists over time, encourage your child to seek help from the many student support services that are available on campus.

6. Expect your child will make many changes during his or her academic study. The average college student changes academic majors four different times. It is common that many university students are not able to graduate within four years.

7. Expect there will be changes in your relationship with your child. Change is inevitable. It is best to understand this and to facilitate positive changes within the relationship rather than attempt to prevent change from occurring.

8. There may be some conflict, but the things you have given your child over the past 17-18 years are very much a part of him or her and will always be there.

Times of transition are exciting yet difficult. Please give yourself and your child the gift of patience.