The day your teen leaves for college is a bittersweet milestone. While you're proud of their achievement, the distance and separation can be challenging for both you and your child. One common hurdle many college freshmen face is homesickness—a deep longing for the comfort, familiarity, and support of home. For parents, it can be heart-wrenching to know that your child is struggling with these feelings while also adjusting to a new environment.

Understanding Homesickness

Homesickness is a common experience, with research indicating that up to 70% of college students experience it to some degree during their first year . It's characterized by feelings of loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and a longing for the security of home. While homesickness is natural, it can be overwhelming for some students, affecting their ability to focus on academics and engage socially.

As a parent, your role is crucial in helping your teen navigate these emotions. By offering guidance and support, you can empower them to overcome homesickness and make the most of their college experience.

Solutions for Easing Homesickness

1. Encourage Communication—But Not Too Much

One of the first impulses when your child feels homesick is to keep in constant contact, reassuring them that you're always there. While maintaining communication is important, too much contact can hinder their ability to adjust to college life independently. Instead, find a balance that allows them to feel connected without being tethered to home.

• Solution:
  • Set up regular check-ins, such as weekly calls or video chats, to give your teen something to look forward to.
    This schedule provides a structure for communication without overwhelming them or hindering their independence.

• Checklist Item:
  • [  ] Establish a weekly call or video chat schedule.
  • [  ] Encourage your teen to share their experiences, both positive and challenging.

2. Help Them Establish a Sense of Belonging

Feeling disconnected from their new environment is a significant factor in homesickness. Encourage your teen to get involved in campus activities, clubs, or study groups. The more they engage with their college community, the more they will feel like they belong.

• Solution:
  • Research the various clubs, organizations, and events at your teen's college.
  • Discuss their interests and suggest activities that align with them, whether it's joining a sports team, a club, or a campus ministry.

• Checklist Item:
  • [ ] Help your teen identify at least one club or organization to join.
  • [ ] Encourage them to attend social events or meet-ups on campus

3. Provide Comfort from Home

Sometimes, a small piece of home can go a long way in easing homesickness. Encourage your teen to bring along items that remind them of home—whether it’s a favorite blanket, family photos, or their pet’s collar. These familiar objects can provide comfort during difficult moments.

• Solution:
  • Consider creating a care package filled with their favorite snacks, photos, and a handwritten letter.
    These small tokens can help bridge the gap between home and their new life at college.

• Checklist Item:
  • [ ] Help your teen pack personal items that remind them of home.
  • [ ] Plan to send care packages during their first semester.

4. Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Homesickness can sometimes lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as isolating themselves, avoiding social activities, or even neglecting their studies. Encourage your teen to engage in healthy activities that can improve their mood and overall well-being.

• Solution:
  • Suggest that they take up regular exercise, journaling, or mindfulness practices.
  • Exercise, in particular, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety , which can be common among homesick students.

• Checklist Item:
  • [ ] Encourage your teen to find a form of exercise they enjoy, such as yoga, running, or dance.
  • [ ] Suggest journaling as a way to process emotions and track their growth.

5. Normalize Homesickness

It’s important to let your teen know that homesickness is a normal part of the transition to college life. Sometimes, just knowing that others are going through the same experience can be comforting. Reassure them that these feelings usually diminish over time as they become more acclimated to their new surroundings.

• Solution:
  • Share stories of your own experiences with homesickness, or provide examples of famous figures who struggled with it and overcame it. 
  • You might also suggest they talk to their peers or a counselor if they need extra support.

• Checklist Item:
  • [ ] Reassure your teen that homesickness is normal and temporary.
  • [ ] Encourage them to seek support from campus resources if needed, such as counseling services.

Homesickness is a natural and often temporary part of the college experience. By offering balanced support, encouraging independence, and helping your teen find their place in their new environment, you can help them overcome this hurdle and thrive in their new chapter of life. 

Remember, this is a period of growth for both of you, and with time, your teen will likely look back on these early challenges as stepping stones to a fulfilling college experience.

By following these steps, you can help your teen navigate homesickness with resilience and confidence, ultimately laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling college experience.

🌟 Ready to help your teen tackle homesickness with confidence? 🌟

By taking these small steps and showing them they’re supported, you can make a huge difference in helping them transition smoothly into college life. 💪💙

Author:

Dr. Michelle Lloyd

Transition Success Coach