Whether they are college graduates themselves or not, parents often feel helpless and frustrated at their inability to guide their children through the unknowns of the college search process, particularly in the early stages. For parents who are used to having all of the answers (or at least knowing where to turn for those answers), helping students identify potential schools and research options can be overwhelming. It can also be eye-opening to realize the complexity that comes with college applications. To set yourself up for success in your parent-student relationship, communicate openly and honestly with your child about their education and goals. The good news is that college searches are ultimately something your student should own — not you. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have some input, especially if you are helping to foot the tuition bill.
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