You sent them off in the fall with ALL the things for all the scenarios. Maybe you even made sure they had a flu emergency kit. But when they call home, saying they’re really sick, it’s tough not to put your parenting helicopter in overdrive.
Many college kids will come down with at least one lousy cold in that first year away from home. So, what should you do when you’re not there to heap on the TLC? For one thing, pump the brakes on your chopper and make sure THEY are instrumental in the problem solving.
Here are some tips to help everyone feel better fast.
Get an appointment
Tell them to visit the campus health center or urgent care in san francisco, or try virtual visits with your family doctor.
Register ahead of time
Ideally, have your student register with the campus health center before they get sick. This can be one of those good “adulting” activities that you make them do. Because who wants to fill out paperwork when they feel like death?
Cold & flu kit
Ah yes, that handy kit you gave them in the fall (or maybe not). No worries, it’s probably buried on their dorm desk anyway. Send them a care package with things like vitamin C, zinc, Emergen-C, cold medications, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, a couple cans of chicken soup, hand sanitizer, and some of those soft, lotion-y tissues. Or, make it easy and order a get-well kit from amazon.
Get your shots
Have them get a flu shot (ideally in the fall) and make sure your student is up-to-date on immunizations. Flu shots are usually free through the college campus health center.
Self-care for the win
Remind your student about self-care: Get lots of sleep. Eat right. Exercise at the student recreation center. Wash your hands!
Mental health
If they’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, have them visit the campus health center for counseling. They can also text 741741 to the national 24/7 crisis line.
Doctor’s note
If they’re sick enough that they may miss a few days of classes, have them ask for a doctor’s note to give to their professors.
RA to the rescue
Have them let the resident advisor (RA) know they’re sick and the RA can check in on them.
Get the medicines
If your kid is very sick and home remedies are not working, help them consult a GP. You can have the medications delivered to them with the help of an online pharmacy.
Homesickness
Many first-year students feel that other kind of sick – homesick. It’s usually short-lived and typically occurs within the first month or so of being away at school. Suddenly having to “adult” and make independent decisions is sometimes just plain overwhelming. Encourage your student to reach out to others who are feeling the same way. Remind them that staying on campus on the weekend helps with down time and is a chance to make new friends. Be a trusted adviser and good listener – sometimes they just need to talk it through and be heard.
The best advice I heard at a college parent orientation session was that when your student calls you with a problem, don’t solve it for them. Easier said than done, but don’t give them the answer. Instead, ask: What do YOU think you should do? They’ll most likely have the answer and may just need a little reassurance that they’re on the right track.
So, hang tough, helicopter parents – you got this, and with time you’ll find that they do, too.
Tags: parenting, sick college student
