Our university towns and state college towns are growing this week with the onset of classes and the student population back in town.   There are the traditional challenges: parking space is limited and more cars, all the grocery stores seem to be buzzing and the empty nest is a reality once again!

Our kids are now young adults. That is my point here.  The first six weeks of school could very well make or break the next four years ahead for your student.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that the first 6 weeks of the first semester are critical to a first-year student's academic success. Because many students initiate heavy drinking during these early days of college, the potential exists for excessive alcohol consumption to interfere with successful adaptation to campus life. The transition to college is often difficult and about one-third of first-year students fail to enroll for their second year. 

As parents we want our young adults to succeed but it is important to maintain some contact to ensure that your student gets acclimated into a healthy and happy life style.

One way to support that from a far is to check in with the kids to see how their classes are going and set a planned time to call - that way you can reach them and stay connected.

During these crucial early weeks, as parents you can do a variety of things to stay involved. Parents you may want to inquire about campus alcohol policies, call your sons and daughters frequently, and ask about roommates and living arrangements.

Also discuss with your young adult the penalties for underage drinking (both on and off campus) as well as how alcohol use can lead to date rape, violence, and academic failure.

failure.http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/NIAAACollegeMaterials/collegeFactSheetForParents.aspx

Your involvement will secure for your young adult a happy and healthy academic life on campus!