She’s going to college and that means she’s all grown up. At least, it does in her mind. So, the idea of your daughter letting you anywhere near her university application is wishful thinking. It’s a personal journey for her and one she wants to walk alone. Anyway, what do dads know about choosing a college major?
The truth is you understand college and you understand your daughter, which means you’re well placed to help. Even if she doesn’t agree, there will be times when your little princess can’t move forward without her father’s help.
With that in mind, here’s the role you have to play when it’s time for her to fly the nest.
Act As A Chaperone
Dads hate it, but kids want to go out of state and study in a new environment. To them, it’s a chance to spread their wings and develop their independent streak. Before they are accepted or apply, teenagers have to visit the establishment to decide which one is the best for them. That means driving across the state. Sure, they can go alone if they have a license, yet it’s better to be there to keep everything on track. Tell them it’s for safety reasons, but remember that you can encourage them to ask questions on the visit.
Stump Up The Cash
Tuition in colleges in America isn’t free and teens usually don’t have the money to pay the bills. As a parent, you’re happy to fund their education yet you don’t want to waste it on a frivolous course. That’s why you are allowed to get involved and inquire about the college and the degree. In the end, though, it’s about giving them the money to ensure they realize their future dreams. Even if you’re not as involved as you want to be, understand the importance of saving the money.
Show Her The Light
Kids aren’t great at analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. Girls, in particular, suffer from crippling doubt due to the pressures of society. Because you’re her father, you know her better than anyone else and understand her best traits. Therefore, you’re well placed to offer advice on what degree might suit her. If she’s kind and caring, tell her to look at traditional and online FNP programs. Or, get her to research science or math major if she’s logical and systematic. Personality traits are great factors in choosing a topic to study at college.
Be A Dad
And that means take the practical approach. If your daughter is struggling to decide, draw up a list of pros and cons and write down as many as possible. Then, let her take a look and see if any of them give her a clearer picture. Even if they don’t right away, it’s likely the list will allow her to think things over in her head and make an informed decision.
Okay, dads aren’t renowned for their pragmatism but there’s no better time to flip the script than during the college application process!
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