GREENSBORO, N.C. — On this segment of 2 Your Well-Being, Dr. Jenna Mendelson, licensed psychologist at Cone Health LeBauer Behavioral Medicine, shares tips on college students heading home for the summer. How can parents check in on the mental well-being for their college-aged kids?
How can parents navigate college kids who come home and have opinions about things like curfew and responsibilities?
Dr. Mendelson says parents and students can anticipate an adjustment.
"Having an open conversation in advance - maybe a few weeks before your college-aged child returns home - just to establish clear expectations and boundaries can help with that adjustment," Dr. Mendelson said.
How can parents of young adults get them to open up?
"Just letting your kids know that you're available for them. You're a secure base that they can come home to when they need it. And also just expressing curiosity," Dr. Mendelson said.
What are some red flags to look for if a parent is concerned about their child's behavior?
"If your child is acting more reclusive than they used to, not just from you as their parents, but also from friends that they used to socialize with when they were home. If it seems like they're just going to their room and closing the door, not going out, that's a time to be concerned," Dr. Mendelson said.
She said major changes in their sleep habits, a decline in hygiene, and changes in eating habits are also some things to look out for.