Parents

 

Services and Information for Parents of Westminster Students

Calls from parents are welcome when there are concerns about your daughter or son’s emotional well-being. The Counselor can provide consultation and offer suggestions to address these concerns.

Often a student may be receiving therapy prior to enrollment. The Counselor will be able to contact that therapist and/or treating physician or psychiatrist to ensure continuity while in college. Signed releases of information will need to be signed.

Again, confidentiality prevents the Counselor from speaking with parents about their students’ progress unless there is a signed release of information or unless the student is a danger to self or others.

At times there are family issues that may need to be addressed jointly with your son or daughter. When it is possible, the Counselor will provide family sessions at your students’ request.

Student records (written or electronic) pertaining to counseling services are NOT part of any Westminster College records. They stay locked in the Counselor's office and are destroyed three years after the student graduates.

Resources for parents

Popular Books
The iConnected Parent: Staying Close to Your Kids in College (and Beyond) While Letting Them Grow Up, by Barbara K. Hofer and Abigail Sullivan Moore

Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger (1997).

When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parent’s Survival Guide, by Carol Barkin (1999).

College Admissions: A Crash Course for Panicked Parents, by Sally Rubenstone and Sidonia Dulby (1997).

Chicken Soup for The College Soul, “Transitions” chapter, Health Communications (1999).

The Truth About College: 50 Lessons for Parents Before They Start Writing Checks, by Will Keim (1997).

Student Development in College, by Nancy J. Evans, Deanna S. Forney and Florence Guido-DeBrito (1998).

College of the Overwhelmed, by Richard Kadison, M.D. and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo (2004)

Web sites
College Parents of America
JED Foundation: Preventing Suicide and Reducing Emotional Distress
Higher Education Center: The Parent Connection
Successful Parenting
Surviving College

Articles
Sending Your Child to College for the First Time
8 Simple Rules for Parents of First Year Students
20 Tips for the Families of All Students
When is a Parent's Job Complete?
"Dear Divorcing Parents"

PowerPoint
"Letting Go"