Tips for Parents and Guardians

Throughout the year, your Spartan may call home with questions about all kinds of things. And you'll be navigating some transitions of your own as you shift from providing day-to-day care to becoming a source of support and advice from afar. 

Check out these topics and check back regularly for new tips throughout the year. 

  • New Spartans: A Time of Transition for Students — and Their Families

    A Time of Transition for Students — and Their Families

    Change is hard.

    Whether you’re a teenager heading out on your own for the first time or a family member getting used to the idea that your student won’t be home every night, college is a transition for everyone. Navigating all this change can be difficult, and it’s not uncommon for students and families alike to feel distress and uncertainty.

    Students might be feeling unsure about how they’ll make new friends, where to turn if they have a bad day, how to adjust to college coursework and more. Parents and guardians might feel uneasy about the transition from providing day-to-day care and supervision to becoming a source of support and advice from afar. They might also be sad to see their student leave home or nervous about how their student will adjust.

    But there is good news: The vast majority of students — 93 percent — agree that they feel a sense of belonging at MSU. Eight in 10 agree that MSU is a campus where we look out for each other. Often, students find that connecting with others through registered student organizations, intramural sports, campus events and in residence halls helps them settle in and build a support network. When they’re not feeling well or need advice, most students continue to reach out to their trusted family members to help them navigate what to do next.

    So what can families do to prepare? How can they support and encourage their students, even while navigating their own feelings of uncertainty?

    • Establish a safe, open channel of communication with your student so that they feel comfortable reaching out for support and advice.
    • Encourage your student to set up a plan with close friends for communicating with family in an emergency.
    • Familiarize yourself with health and well-being services and resources on campus, like free wellness coaching, supportive Alcohol and Other Drug programs, and medical and mental health
    • Recommend that your student saves these contacts for help in a crisis or after-hours.
    • See the data about students’ health and well-being at MSU. There are a lot of myths about college culture, but the reality is often quite different. Some of the data may surprise you — like knowing that 71 percent of MSU students consume zero to four drinks when they party, and one in three choose not to drink at all.
    • Follow the New Student Health Checklist to get ahead of health care needs for illness or injury.
    • Check out the Guide to Health and Well-Being at MSU to learn about more of the services available on campus and how students can transition their health care to MSU or continue working with a provider from back home.
    • Remind your student about the coping skills that have gotten them this far (it’s also a great time to reconnect with your own stress relievers!): exercise, meditation, listening to music, talking to a trusted friend, etc.

    For Spartans and their families, this is an exciting time, but it’s also a bit overwhelming. Student Health and Wellness is here to help students get settled in and let families rest easy knowing we’re ready to take good care of them.

    To learn more about all Student Health and Wellness departments and programs, visit the About page.

  • Mid-Fall Check-In: Changes, Illness and Conflict: Supporting Your Spartan From Afar

    Changes, Illness and Conflict: Supporting Your Spartan From Afar

    As students learn to navigate the world as adults, they are probably reaching out to their trusted family and friends from back home for advice. These are a few topics that could be top-of-mind for your student this time of year.

    Not a Kid Anymore: Physical Changes and New Habits

    When you next see your Spartan, you might find that they have changed during the first months of the semester. Perhaps their hair is a little longer or their food preferences have changed. It’s all part of their journey to adulthood.

    They might also be experiencing some insecurities as their body grows and changes. As the holiday season begins, consider reminding your student that the “freshman 15” is a myth — it’s okay to enjoy the heartier foods that often come with this time of year! Data shows that most students gain less than four pounds. But if they have concerns about their eating or nutrition, students can view resources or speak with a nutritionist in the Health Promotion department. Visit healthpromotion.msu.edu/nutrition to learn more.

    Your Spartan may also have different or less-regular sleeping habits these days. Encourage them to prioritize sleep to help them manage stress, support their academic performance and to keep their bodies healthy.

    Managing Illness From Afar

    Flu season is here, and that means clinics can fill up fast as the flu or common cold circulates. If your student calls home and asks what to do when they’re not feeling well, remind them that Student Health Services is here to help.

    Students can usually get a same-day appointment if they call in the morning. Students get three free medical office visits each academic year (services such as lab tests, prescriptions, etc. do incur charges and can be billed to insurance). If appointments are not available right away due to high demand, there are several urgent care locations in the area. Off-campus and after-hours care information is available here.

    Remember, there are things students can do to reduce the chance that they will get sick. Tips for flu prevention — including information about getting a flu shot on campus — are available here.

    Conflict Resolution

    While most students — 87 percent — report that their social relationships are supportive and rewarding, disagreements happen. Often, conflicts can be resolved early on through respectful conversation.

    See the Health Promotion department’s latest Stall Story all about conflict resolution, as well as other health and well-being topics here. These are tips we can all use to communicate more effectively and strengthen relationships with others.

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