Helpful Websites & Articles for Parents
The following are links to websites and online articles that might be of interest to the parents of college students. Please be advised that CIU does not maintain the content of these sites.
Christian College Parents Guide - A publication and website by Campus Life. There are articles for parents, terms to know, a college countdown list, and a packing list.
Choosing a College that's Right for You - "Choosing where you want to go to college is an extremely personal -- and frequently stressful -- decision that teens and their families have to make. So, how can this article help you? This article's intent is to give you a framework that will help you choose the college that is right for you." Read more of this article by author Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
Credit Card Smarts - "For many students, problems with credit cards in college can lead to long-lasting and punishing cycles of debt. Learning about responsible credit use now can save your child from unnecessary debt after graduation." Read more of this article about credit card facts and strategies to help your child manage credit wisely.
The Launching Years - "The launching years correspond roughly to the senior year of high school and the beginning years of college when the majority of American children leave home. These years represent a complicated and vastly overlooked transitional period for young adults and parents alike." Read more of this article by authors Laura Kastner, Ph.D and Jennifer Wyatt, Ph.D.
Getting Ready for College - "Before you know it, the time has come for your child to leave for college. Are the kids ready? Are the parents prepared? Has your child taken the best courses for his future while in high school? Are there scholarships available? Does it matter if he/she lives at home or chooses a school 2000 miles away? If these questions are rumbling around in the back of your mind, please join us for some great information about getting your teen ready for the college experience." Read more of this article by author Linda Bily.
Financial Aid - Link to an EFC calculator, budget worksheet, and financial aid articles.
Homesickness: How to Help Your Child - "While your child was counting down the days until she left for college, you were doing a countdown of your own, one tinged with sadness because your 'baby' was leaving. On the fourth day of her independence, something strange happened." Read more of this article.
Leaving for College - "Letting go wasn't easy for the Straw family. It became even harder when their college-bound daughter changed career plans." Read more of this article by Erin Prater.
The Prayer Connection - "As my kids approached college age, I wanted a way to feel like a vital part of their lives, even though I knew it was time to let go. Praying often and fervently for them helps me do that. Even though I don't always know their specific needs -- like during my son's incident -- praying for my kids helps me entrust them to God, who knows exactly what they need." Read more of this article by author Linda Gilden.
Shopping and Packing Tips - "Does shopping and packing to go away to college feel like an overwhelming task? It's a good idea to start early and be as organized as possible. Use the Off-to-College Checklist to keep tabs on your child's progress."
Transitions - "Our son will be leaving for college next fall. Is there anything we can do to help ease the transition from home to dorm life?" Read more of this article from Focus on the Family.
