Welcome Bearcat Parents and Families!

The transition from high school to college is often challenging for students and their families.  Many families are sending their oldest or only child away from the security and stability of home for the first time when they drop off a student on move-in day.  Others may have older children who have already managed that type of change with little difficulty.  Those parents may experience less anxiety about their student leaving home, but may struggle instead with a suddenly empty nest. 

In all cases, the faculty, staff, and administration at Lon Morris College understand that this can be a challenging time for both you and your child.  Not only must your student begin to live and think independently as he or she develops and learns to better function as an adult, but you also have the difficult task of modifying your parenting as he or she struggles to do so.  You will continue to be, and should be, an important part of your student’s life, plans, and goals.  Families that most seamlessly transition during this period will find that parents adjust from behaving as the driving force of a supervisor to the encouraging resource of a supporter.  While it is important to guide students and assist them when they need help, it is just as important to ensure that they learn to organize their responsibilities and problem-solve in order to become more self-sufficient. 

Your student may struggle with some of his or her new responsibilities once they arrive on campus.  We truly believe that these learning opportunities can stimulate growth and maturity in your child, making this a potentially very rewarding experience for parents.  The LMC mission indicates that we seek to educate the whole person.  In support of that mission, the Office of Student Affairs hopes to partner with Bearcat families in the hope that we can all contribute to student development and success.  Your student will have access to an array of support services while on campus.  Please encourage them to make use of the offices and individuals available to them when they have questions or concerns. 

Suggested Resources for Parents and Families:

www.collegeparents.org

When Your Kid Goes to College:  A Parent's Survival Guide.  Carol Barkin (1997).

Bringing Home the Laundry:  Effective Parenting for College and Beyond.  Janis Brody (2000).

Letting Go, 4^th ed.  Karen Coburn & Madge Lawrence (2003).

Millenials Rising.  Neil Howe & William Strauss (2000).

Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money. Helen Johnson & Christine Schelhas-Miller (2000).
 

You’re on Your Own (But I’m Here if You Need Me).  M. Savage (2003).

**Interested in forming or joining a Bearcat Parents' Club?  Be sure to attend the organizational meeting during Fall Family Weekend or contact the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Danny Potter, by email or by phone at 903-589-4010.