Homesick Freshman? Here’s How to Help Them Adjust | Episode

Watching your child head off to college is a proud moment. But what happens when the late-night phone calls come, full of tears and homesickness? If your teen or young adult is struggling with the transition, you’re not alone. More and more students are finding the leap to college emotionally overwhelming, and parents are often left wondering: Should I step in, or step back?
In this episode of “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens,” psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan share compassionate, practical advice to help parents navigate this milestone. Dr. Lisa draws on decades of expertise and her own parenting experience to explain why homesickness is normal, how to support your child without taking over, and what to do if college just isn’t the right fit… at least for now.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN:
Why homesickness is on the rise (and why it’s not a sign of failure)
How to balance being available with encouraging independence
Ways to support younger siblings who are missing their college-aged brother or sister
How to assess college readiness and when to consider alternative paths
Whether your child is weeks away from college or already on campus, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and strategies you can use right now.


0:00:00 – When your college kid is really missing home
0:02:31 – How Covid changed the college experience
0:04:48 – Helping your teen make friends at college
0:07:55 – Should we visit or let them adjust?
0:11:48 – What about the younger siblings left behind?
0:14:03 – How to know if your kid is college-ready
0:16:08 – There's no one right way to do college
0:17:23 – When should you bring your kid home?
0:19:19 – Parenting to Go: Coping with change



👀 WATCH MORE on College:    • College  



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ABOUT ASK LISA
The essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com

❗️ DISCLAIMER
The advice provided on this podcast does not constitute or serve as a substitute for professional psychological treatment, therapy, or other types of professional advice or intervention. If you have concerns about your child’s well being, consult a physician or mental health professional.


#ParentingTeens #CollegeTransition #HomesickAtCollege