Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Maria Anguiano, helps parents and caregivers prepare their teenagers for college.  This seminar focuses on four topics: building independence, imposter syndrome, academic anxiety and validation.

 

She describes the benefits of building independence and how parents and caregivers can help by:

• Building confidence in their ability to handle challenges

• Reducing anxiety when they face problems alone

• Teaching them to trust their decisions

• Helping them ask for help when they need it

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What is Imposter Syndrome?  It is a suspicion that you are a "fraud" or inadequate, despite all evidence that you are doing a good job.  By not talking about it, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and the eventual withdrawal from academic pursuits.  She encourages starting a conversation with your teenagers and while at college, parents and caregivers can:

• Encourage them to visit professors during office hours

• Connect them with family or friends who went to college

• Remind them that asking for help is a strength

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Maria shares that it's normal to have academic anxiety, with fears of failing, pressure to be "perfect", comparing themselves to others, doubts about whether they belong in college or fear of disappointing their parents. She shares what you can look for and how you can listen and help.  Additionally, she recommends college students seek academic counselors to help with:

• Planning classes and academic goals

• Advising on college applications and scholarships

• Helping with time management and study skills

• Connecting students with resources for emotional or academic

• support

• Supporting students in making decisions about their future

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Lastly, Maria she encourages parents and caregivers to validate what their teenager is feeling, by: 

• Validating their feelings first, before giving any solutions

• Encouraging self care strategies such as getting enough sleep, good nutrition, hydration, exercise

• Remaining calm when they are talking to you about problems, your calm demeanor can help them feel that they can face any problem