Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

The Impact of Families on the Success of College Students

Extensive research has revealed that families profoundly influence college students' educational performance. These studies have uncovered key insights into the complex dynamics of student-family relations.

In general, millennial college students have closer bonds with their parents and family than previous generations. On the other hand, student mental health, financial support, and campus safety have increased parents' interest in their students’ overall health, well‐being, and academic success.

Student-family interaction topics include (1) Frequency of contact with family, especially mother; (2) Levels of parental financial involvement; (3) independence from family; (4) Siblings’ influence; and (5) Parents’ educational background.

Family dynamics, culture, educational background, and socioeconomic status all play a role in shaping the level of parental or family involvement. This involvement, when balanced, can be a powerful catalyst for academic success. However, when parents excessively meddle (hover) in students’ college life, positive results might sometimes be seen academically, while socially, the students are adversely affected. This is what is referred to as helicopter parents. A student should be allowed some autonomy to survive life after college. Academic success may not warrant success after college because of what might seem like total dependence on the parents. It's crucial to maintain a healthy balance in family involvement.

Families can support college students in many positive ways, and this support can make a significant difference in their journey.

The most crucial role families can play in their student's success is providing emotional support. With the new academic expectations and a different social environment, parents’ emotional support and understanding can give students the confidence to deal with challenges. Maintaining an open line of communication might be the most important support to offer students. Encourage them to open up about their experiences, challenges, and successes. Try to balance actively listening with respect for student's privacy and boundaries. Support them if they fail. Failures can be a powerful lesson as long as they learn from it. If students can benefit from counseling or support services, it's crucial to encourage them to take advantage of these resources.

College is an opportunity for students to develop independence and grow. It is also the time for parents to develop an adult-to-adult relationship with their college-aged students. Parents can often experience some positive and negative emotions themselves. Some of these feelings will be tied to their concerns about their student, but many feelings are more related to the changes in their life situation. Some helpful ideas for parents are to stay connected to students but not overwhelm them. Give them some space, but watch them from the sidelines. Support students' pursuit of interests and push their potential. Encourage them to get involved in organizations, clubs, or sport teams to help them better integrate with different friend groups and the campus community. 

Time management is essential for student success. Parents can teach students to prioritize tasks, create a schedule, and maintain a healthy balance between studying, resting, exercising, and socializing. They can also encourage them to find the best organizational time management system.

Mental Health is another important issue. Students, particularly freshmen, are under much pressure to adjust to the college experience and do well academically. Studies show that 1 in 3 college students in Korea at some point experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Parents should watch for any warning signs. Encourage and help students to seek academic and emotional help if needed.

Understanding that each individual has different abilities, parents should avoid comparing and contrasting students' achievements with their siblings. Parents' role is to encourage the development of each child to the best of their ability.

Student success is broader than academic success. It also means developing strong and mature individuals who will be successful in their careers and personal lives.

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