College is a time of learning — both in and outside of the classroom.  College students will make mistakes and most will learn from those mistakes.  Wise students and their parents recognize that mistakes are part of the learning curve, and they respect and tolerate those mistakes.  As college parents, however, we hope that our students will not make mistakes that will have a negative impact on their college career.

As a parent, you can anticipate and watch for these nine potential decisions and talk to your student about their choices.  Remember, however, that although you may alert your student to these pitfalls, they will ultimately need to make their own decisions — and live with the consequences — but that they will learn from experience.

Poor Decision #1 — Not going to class.

Although some college professors may never take attendance, going to class is important.  It may feel to some students that they can learn all they need by reading the textbook, but class time is an important time for additional information, clarification, and a chance to show the professor that you know the material.  Besides, most professors, even if they don’t formally take attendance, notice who is in class.  If your student isn’t there, that could be sending a negative message about their engagement with the course.

Poor Decision #2 — Not getting involved on campus.

Dorm rooms have all of the comforts of home these days, and students may be tempted to settle in.  However, research shows that students who are involved on campus — attending lectures and events, participating in clubs and activities, helping with service projects, and taking on leadership roles are both happier and do better academically.

Poor Decision #3 — Not buying textbooks.

College textbooks are expensive.  Students often use a book for a semester and then either need to keep it or sell it back at a fraction of what they paid.  It may be tempting for some students to skip the textbook purchase and just listen to the class lectures.  Students need to remember that they will be held responsible for material in textbooks and that although they are expensive, they are a fraction of the tuition money the student is wasting if they don’t take advantage of their total education.

Poor Decision #4 — Working too many hours at a job.

Many college students need to have a job in order to make ends meet.  Students are often tempted to work many hours in order to have enough money either for tuition or spending money.  However, students who work too many hours (some studies suggest 20 hours per week as the breaking point) often do not do as well academically and do not have time to become engaged in  college life and culture. They miss out on campus connections and leadership opportunities.

Poor Decision #5 — Hoping to find enough time to study.

College students need to spend many hours outside of class studying and preparing for the fewer number of hours spent in class.  Many students go through each day hoping they will find some time to study rather than planning study time and organizing around that.  Colleges are active places with classes, friends, activities, athletics, social gatherings.  It is easy for each day to slip by with no serious studying completed.  Your student may need a planner and should block out study time.

Poor Decision #6 — Failing to connect with his professors and advisor.

College professors may seem intimidating, but most professors are teaching because they love their subject and want to share it with their students.  Whether or not your student is struggling in a class, it’s a good idea for them to visit professors during office hours and get to know them.  Professors can not only help your student with coursework, they can ultimately be great sources for references, internships, graduate school, or recommendations for other classes.

Poor Decision #7 — Not getting help.

Most students struggle with something at some time during their college career.  The difficulty may be academic, social, psychological, or physical.  Most colleges provide professional help and support in all of the above areas.  Whether the student seeks help from a Residence Assistant, faculty member, advisor, counselor, tutor, or health professional, they should take advantage of all that is offered.  Too many students feel they need to do everything themselves, or they rely continually on family members at home.  Although support from family is important, your student should learn to take advantage of all of the resources provided by their college.

Poor Decision #8 — Not taking ownership of choices and their life.

Many college students are just learning what it means to be an adult in our society.  Part of that adulthood is taking ownership for your own decisions and their consequences.  Students who continually blame other students, professors, the college, the system, or their family for their situation, have a long way to go.  Students who step up and take ownership begin to take control of their lives.

Poor Decision #9 — Avoiding ”hard” things.

Many students look for easy classes, easy professors, easy assignments, and ways to avoid requirements.  These students often find themselves unable to graduate because they have missed a required course.  They may find that the final course in a major is overwhelming because they haven’t been fully prepared by the classes that they took.  Students who have avoided ”hard” have also missed the opportunity to face and overcome a challenge and grow and feel pride from the situation.  Remind your student that ”hard” or ”difficult” is not a bad thing.

Most college students make wise decisions most of the time.  They learn to make more and more wise decisions as they progress through their college career.  However, many students may make one or more of these poor decisions at some time in their career. Unfortunately, many students do not even realize that they are making these decisions at all.   As college parents, it is important that we help students value their mistakes and learn from them.  Knowing that they have our constant support will reassure them that they will learn to make wiser decisions eventually.

Related Posts:

Helping Your College Student Find Support on Campus

Ten Wise Decisions Your Student Can Make to Improve His GPA

Is Your College Student Getting in His Own Way?

How Parents Can Help Students Value Their Mistakes