In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, host Laura Ollinger, teen life coach and founder of Positively Healthy Coaching, opens up about the emotional and practical realities of dropping off her daughter at college.

This episode is for any parent navigating the messy transition of letting go, setting healthy boundaries with their college student, and adjusting to home life without their teen.

• Giving grace through the messy first two weeks while establishing mutually agreed communication rhythms
• Prioritizing belonging by guiding students to take healthy risks and find their people
• Managing parent grief without putting emotional burden or pressure on your college student
• Emphasizing physical safety and practical awareness as students transition into campus independence

How often should parents communicate with their college freshman during the first few weeks?

Set up a mutual agreement ahead of time—such as a scheduled weekly phone call—and allow your student to have a say in when communication happens so they can build their own routine without feeling hovered over.

How can I help my college student adjust and make friends on campus?

Encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, walk through club lists step-by-step to put meetings on their calendar, and try new activities until they find their community.

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