June 2009 Newsletter
father and son on bikes
Parenting Strategies
 
SuccessfulCollegeParenting.com
Greetings!
 
Image of Kay 
It is hard to believe that the end of another academic year is here.
Whether you have children in college or children heading to college this fall, you will want to make use of the strategies and tips in this month's issue as you transition into summer. 
More Than Just A Grade
 
gradesDuring this time of year you are likely awaiting your child's grades, so whether you are expecting A's, B's, C's or D's you are probably curious about what your son's or daughter's grades really reflect about him or her as a student and learner.
 
What are your impressions of your child's grades so far this year?
 
For many parents grades seem to fall into four categories:
 
1. Grades that are celebrated
 
2. Grades that are difficult to fathom (failing gym)
 
3. Grades that appear poor (and might also reflect poor effort)
 
4. Grades that seem to be indistinguishable (C+/B-)
 
But do the grades really tell you what you want to know? 
 
Read the complete article
In This Issue
More Than Just A Grade
Communication Central
Did you know...
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KAY'S NEWS
Berklee College of Music Presentation, Navigating a New Relationship With Your College Student, Parent Orientation, May 20, 2009
 
Contributor, Parent Success Stories: Positive Changes Through the PCI Coaching Model, Parent Coaching Institute, 2009
 
Participant, Relay For Life, American Cancer Society, May - 2009  
Communication Central
 
girl on phoneParents consistently share that resisting the urge to give advice is one of the most difficult parenting patterns to tame during the pre-college and college years.  To make it all the more complicated, sometimes our children are eager for us to share what we think they should do, and at other times they are quick to let us know that they don't want our sage advice.
 
We are often caught in the middle of wanting to share what we think, but at the same time wondering whether or not we should. Consider this approach:
 
Unless there is danger to health or welfare, try to resist the urge to first offer advice.  Instead, periodically reflect back to your child what you hear him or her expressing.  Avoid the temptation to ask lots of pointed questions.  The opportunity to express what one is thinking and feeling is an opportunity to process what is on one's mind.  It is often through talking and thinking out loud, and having someone who intently listens, that we can see our choices and make decisions with clarity.
Did you know... 
 

business peopleThe top personal qualities employers look for in college graduates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2009 Survey, are:
  1. Communication skills (verbal and written)
  2. Strong work ethic
  3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
  4. Initiative
  5. Analytical skills
Why wait?  These are skills that you can help your child to enhance within your family system.
Enjoy this month's newsletter and please feel free to e-mail me with topics you'd like to learn more about. SuccessfulCollegeParenting.com is your resource for enhancing your child's college experience. Visit the website to read this month's article and access our archive.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kay Kimball Gruder, M.Ed., C.P.C.
SuccessfulCollegeParenting.com