Description
Book SynopsisWritten by two experienced college mental health professionals, this practical nuts-and-bolts guide for parents of prospective and current college students offers an insider’s view of the realities and complexities of today’s campus life. Recognizing that college students rank their parents as their primary source of support and advice, the authors provide parents with the specific information and recommendations they need to offer the best assistance possible. In this book, parents will learn about the most significant factors to be considered in making a wise decision about college selection, about the process of making a successful transition to college, about the potential pitfalls inherent in college life, and the warning signs and risk factors for psychological distress. In addition, parents will become acquainted with the protective factors and the resources available on the campus that enhance academic success and persistence to graduation, as well as emotional health and well-being. Throughout, parents will learn to distinguish between those situations in which they should intervene directly and those in which they should offer support from the sidelines. Parents will be able to help their student make their time in college a joyful, productive, and ultimately successful experience.
Trade ReviewSensitivity is shown to different cultural perspectives, and familial support for student independence is strongly encouraged. For the clinician, the book provides a useful overview of challenges facing today's college students and helps the clinician gain familiarity with college campus resources. * Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry *
If you wish to help parents have meaningful conversations with their child about college expectations and also to understand how college 'works', then this book should be on your reference shelf. Authors Trevouledes and Grieger, two mental health experts, can help advisors apply a set of parent’s lenses to view the 'mysteries' of college life, its bureaucracy, and its own educational jargon. One strength of this book is its depth of information on cultivating the student’s emotional wellness. The chapters explain how to be aware of signs of depression, suicidal tendencies, and addiction. Parents learn how to take action and which college services can help, if needed. Another strength is that the book recognizes how communication strategies may differ within other cultures. While its major message about using open communication is constant, 'how' this occurs varies in diverse populations. Minority families often play a strategic role in supporting the success of their child, so reaffirming various communication methods is an important point. * NACADA Journal *
Sensitivity is shown to different cultural perspectives, and familial support for student independence is strongly encouraged. For the clinician, the book provides a useful overview of challenges facing today's college students and helps the clinician gain familiarity with college campus resources. * Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry *
This is an important book for parents with students who are headed to or already in college. Success and Sanity is a comprehensive book, covering...crucial topics for college parents. . . .Parents who want a comprehensive and realistic picture of college life and what to expect for their college student should read Success and Sanity on the College Campus. * College Parent Central *
Drs. Trevouledes & Grieger have written an indispensable resource that is a must read for all parents and their college-bound children. I know of no other book that provides parents, students, educators and guidance counselors with all the information they might need to prepare for the many challenges and rewards of life on todays' college campus. With this valuable guide in hand, parents and students will have the knowledge as well as the tools that will enable the student to have a more successful and fulfilling college experience.This comprehensive and authoritative text is certain to become a classic in the field.It is an exceptionally well written and thoughtfully organized book that will be a source of vital information that parents will turn to again and again. -- Michael Behar, M.D., Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Pyschiatrist in private practice NYC; Senior Psychiatric Consultant - Fordham University Student Counseling Services; Senior Psychiatric Consultant - Jewish Board of Family & Children's Services; Co-author "The Physician's Desk Reference
As a psychologist in private practice who treats college students and provides consultation and supervision to trainees and staff at nearby college counseling centers I have long noted the absence of literature to help students and their parents understand the contemporary college campus culture, the psychological hurdles so many students face, and the resources that are available to them. This book admirably fills this need. Trevouleds and Grieger use clear, straightforward language to provide parents the information they seek and require in an honest and supportive way. This book ought to be required reading for parents who want to familiarize themselves with the social and emotional challenges that the college experience presents and who want to know how best to help their children navigate the college years . It also belongs on the bookshelves of teachers, administrators and mental health professionals whose charge it is to attend to these students. I have been doing this work for decades and learned much by reading this book. -- Marc Rehm, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist - Private Practice and Consultant for The Rosemary Furman Counseling Center, Barnard College.
Parents have a significant role in facilitating the success and emotional well-being of their children as they navigate the college years. Success and Sanity on The College Campus: a Guide for Parents by Dr. Diana Trevouledes and Dr. Ingrid Grieger, two highly experienced and competent campus professionals, is engaging, well-researched, and provides real-world recommendations that parents can readily use. I am certain I will refer to this book frequently to guide me through the remainder of my son’s college experience and to inform me about how I can promote my daughter’s adjustment and independence as she begins her own journey through college. As a parent and as a counseling psychologist, I highly recommend this book to other parents, as well as to high school counselors and teachers, college and university faculty, and other campus professionals. It is an invaluable resource for all of these audiences. -- Merle Keitel, Ph.D.,Professor, Fordham University Graduate School of Education
Table of ContentsIntroduction Brief Overview by Chapter Chapter One The Role of the Parent in Promoting Emotional Wellness: A Basic Framework Roots and Wings The Caring and Supportive Parent vs. the “Helicopter” Parent Expectations for the College Student A Word About Privacy and Confidentiality Knowing When to Let Go Your Changing Relationship with Your Child When Should a Parent Get Involved Chapter Two Helping with College Selection and Preparation The Importance Of Best Fit Some Factors To Consider Academic Reputation and Rankings Retention and Graduation Rates Finances Location and Distance from Home School Size and Class Size Faculty Curriculum and Academic Resources Student Population and Diversity Resources Housing Options Services for Special Needs Students Structured First-Year Experience The On-Campus Visit A Difficult Question for Parents: Is My Child Ready? What If My Child Has Psychological Problems Chapter Three The Transition to College and How Parents Can Help The Importance of the First Year of College Academic Challenges Separation Anxiety, Homesickness and Loneliness Identity Development Choosing a Major and Career Decision Making Living Arrangements Problems at Home Diversity and Cultural Challenge What If My Child Continues to Struggle? Chapter Four Today’s Campus Environment: What Parents Should Know About the Realities of College Life No In Loco Parentis Increase in Mental Health Concerns on the Campus Alcohol and Other Drugs Sexual Assault Date Rape Drugs Unhealthy Relationships Sexual Harassment on Campus Roommate Conflicts Privacy in Cyberspace Bullying and Cyber-bullying Hazing Bias Incidents Campus Violence Chapter Five Recognizing Signs of Psychological Problems, Chemical Dependency and Addictive Behavior: What Parents Need to Know Disorders Observed in College Age Students Depression Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Self Injury Trauma, Loss and Grief Reactions Anger and Aggression Stress and Anxiety Schizophrenia Bi-polar Disorder Eating Disorders Troubled and Dangerous Students Chemical Dependency and Addictive Behaviors Alcohol Abuse and Dependency Other Substances and Abuse Legal/Prescription Drugs Illegal Drugs Signs of Substance Abuse Guidelines for Parents Regarding Substance Abuse Gambling Addiction and Compulsive Gaming Additional Recommendations for Parents Chapter Six Campus Services and Resources The Counseling Center/Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Office of Student Retention/Student Success Health Services Alcohol and Other Drug Services Office of Residential Life Office of Disabilities/Learning Needs Office of Multicultural Affairs Campus Ministries International Studies Office Academic Resource Services Career Services Office of Student Affairs/Student Life Student Financial Services Campus Safety and Security Office of the Ombudsperson How Parents Can Learn More about Student Services Chapter Seven Promoting Emotional Wellness and Student Success: Some Approaches That Work Effective Parent/College Student Communication Reducing Stress and Developing Coping Skills Maintaining Perspectives: Changing Thoughts and Self-talk Cultivating Happiness and Recognizing Signature Strengths Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Respect Encouraging Healthy Life-Style Choices Knowing the Factors that Support Success Advocating for Mental Health and Other Student Services on Campus Conclusion
