Gill Burnell〓〓

If your teenager is starting university this month, and you want to help them emotionally prepare for it, one thing you can do is manage expectations. Young people’s expectations - of experiences and of themselves - aren’t always realistic. This can lead to disappointment and lower self-esteem. Encourage your child not to compare their experiences to what they might see on social media. The reality is that no-one enjoys everything about university life, all of the time. Social activity may feel overwhelming; they may not make friends immediately; independent study might feel unexpectedly challenging. Reassure them it takes time to settle, that things often get better, and that they can always talk to you about it. If it doesn’t work out, help them find and feel positive about other options that are right for them.