Encourage your student to become involved in campus activities and organizations - it will help improve their academic performance and provide them with skills valued by future employers.

Trust your student. They are trying to find themselves while away at college and the best thing you can do is believe in them to make the right decisions and learn from their mistakes.

Visit, but not too soon or too often. Although they might not admit it, students look forward to a visit from their family. Resist the urge to just drop in.

Don't panic when you receive depressing phone calls or letters. When troubles like a flunked test or ended relationship become too much for your student to handle, they will turn to the people they know they can count on. Be a listening ear.

Expect change. It's natural and inevitable that students will change through their college career. You can't stop it and you may never understand it, but you can accept it.

Ask questions, but not too many. Your student will like the security of knowing that someone is interested in them, but will resent I-have-the-right-to-know questions.

Write, even if they don't write back! Even though most won't admit it, students love hearing from family.

Don't ignore the small scholarships. Urge your student to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Don't overlook any simply because they're worth only $300 or $500. They add up!

Don't judge a book by its cover. Your student may be more apprehensive than he/she looks. Touchiness may mask anxiety about all the changes.

Let your student take more charge of their future. Be a gentle coach.