College Admission Decisions: How To Support Your Teen

We’re approaching the end of college admission season. While some of us are still focused on our “fresh starts” for 2024, there's a group of Gen Z teens hanging on the edge of their futures, nervously awaiting news. 

Here's a suggestion for parents on how best to support your teen when decisions roll in: align your response with your child's. Match their reaction – not more, not less. If things go as they’d hoped, enjoy the moment and ask about their preferred way to celebrate. If not, help them navigate disappointment, and ease any burden on them to make you feel better. Acknowledge how hard being let down can feel and empathize with the setback. Be supportive and allow them to focus on their own emotional needs. Just like when they were little, your child will often gauge the significance of the outcome based on your response. 

Let them do the talking (or grumbling, or crying), then consider supporting them in these three ways: Lend perspective: Help your teen understand that success and fulfillment extend beyond a single event. Let them know that college admission is just one part of their broader narrative, and that learning, social experiences, and college shenanigans await them wherever they go.  Maintain open communication: Be that safe and supportive ear for your teen to openly express their feelings. Let them share their fears, disappointment, sadness, or frustration. By nurturing open communication now, you’ll continue to be a trusted confidante once they get to campus. Encourage an open mindset: Share with your child, without dismissing or diminishing their feelings, that life is full of highs and lows. Try to help them appreciate the diversity of experiences that lie ahead, and that their flexibility will allow for opportunities to unfold beyond their plans and vision. 

Regardless of where they end up, assure your teen that they can thrive. They've undoubtedly worked hard to reach this point and what they need most is your unwavering (and neutral) support. Remember, this is their journey.