Parents & Caregivers

  • 1

    Applying to College

    2

    Being Accepted

    3

    Attending College

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    College Sync Series - Parent Edition

  • 1. Applying to College

    Assisting your Son or Daughter with the Application Process

    If you’re a parent whose son or daughter is thinking about coming to college, you are probably playing a key role in researching which post-secondary institution would be the best fit.

    A lot of parents haven’t been a part of the college or university application process in a while and Lambton College understands that it might be a little overwhelming at first. 

    Below is a list of areas you definitely want to explore if you are assisting your son or daughter with their college search:



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      Be Familiar with the Application Deadlines

      College applications have different deadlines than university applications and if your son or daughter is applying to a popular program, he/she should definitely make sure to apply on time.

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      Explore the Program Pages

      These pages are a great starting point if you are trying to see what kinds of options are available at the college level. It is important to plan early to ensure your son or daughter has the appropriate prerequisites.

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      Visit the Campus

      The fall is a great time to visit College campuses, as a number of events are organized in the fall so that prospective students can have a chance to see as many colleges as possible. Make sure your son or daughter has the opportunity to visit a few campuses to ensure he/she is comfortable with college size, facilities and faculty.

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      Ask Questions

      At Lambton College we are always available to answer any questions you may have about programs, application processes, financial aid and general college inquiries. If you’re worried about something or if something isn’t clear, we are always here to help out - email info@lambtoncollege.ca or call 519-541-2403.



  • 2. Being Accepted

  • icon-brand-thumbs-up-l-60 Encourage Independence
    Prepare yourself first
    Sometimes parents are more nervous than their children about the transition to college. Studies have shown a strong relationship between parental anxiety regarding separation and their child's anxiety (Stone, Otten, Soenens, Engels and Janssens, Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2015). This stress can be reduced when the parent and child gather information about Lambton College together by attending info sessions or Open Houses or by participating in orientations.
    Allow your child more freedom while they're at home
    It's the old adage of tested then trusted. Be more lenient with your child's curfew. Allow them to make their own decisions while holding them responsible for the consequences while they're still living under your roof.
    Teach them practical skills
    Have them do their own laundry, clean the house (not just their room), unclog a toilet, take a turn buying groceries for the week, and have them make healthy meals for the family. Encourage them to research transportation routes and locate walk-in clinics, pharmacies and grocery stores.
    Encourage good time management skills
    Teach them to use an app that will encourage organization and deadline management apart from your reminders. See the top 15 time management apps and tools.
    Have a conversation (or two) about coping with change
    Parents know their children best, so reinforce their strengths when it comes to dealing with adversity. Focus on their resourcefulness and ability to have back up plans. Highlight the positive ways they've dealt with challenges in the past. The key is to encourage them to maximize helpful habit and minimize harmful habits (i.e. avoidance, procrastination, settling, substance use.)
    Stay in tune with their romantic relationships
    Relationships often cause more stress for students than academics when they're in college. Discuss with your child how unhealthy relationships may affect their overall health. If your child is single, college may be where they meet someone. If there's a new person in your child's life, invite them over and get to know them. Show interest and keep the lines of communication open.
    Discuss how life will be different now that they are adults in college
    Talk about how communication patterns will change. How often does your child want to be contacted? Let them lead the conversation. Discuss expectations and come to a common ground of respect.
    icon-brand-document-l-60 Teach your Child to Budget
    Create weekly or monthly budgets
    In the weeks leading up to the transition to college, have your child put together a reasonable weekly or monthly budget and then have them take it for a test drive.
    Download a budgeting app
    Help your child prepare for budgeting with an appropriate app. It is not uncommon for students to spend all of their money or run out of money on their meal card before the term is ends. Research some budgeting apps.
    Discuss the OSAP process
    Sit down with your child and discuss how OSAP works from applying, to accepting, to paying it back.
    Explore the pros and cons of credit cards
    Perhaps an option is to co-sign a card so you can track your child's spending and management of debt.
    Research scholarships with them
    Every year, thousands of dollars go unclaimed as students don't take the time to apply. By researching bursaries and other financial resources, your child can work towards graduating debt free. Find additional tips at youngandthrifty.ca.
    Research housing options
    Residence is convenient, but cost savings are a possibility by living off campus. Make sure you explore all options with your child.
    Working while going to school
    Not every student can juggle work and school but there are jobs on campus that may make the juggling more manageable. Login to the mylambton website with your C# and password and visit On-Campus Employment.
    icon-brand-heart-l-60 Put Supports in Place
    Make a doctor's appointment
    Before heading to college, make sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date, especially if they are taking a program that requires them to have a field or clinical placement. Also, take this opportunity to make sure any medications they take are refilled.
    Continue any existing treatment plans
    If your child is seeing a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist ensure they have a treatment plan in place for when they transition to college. The professional may recommend transferring the care to a local professional. Your child should be aware of the options available for continuity of care.
    Prepare for any academic accommodations or learning disabilities early
    If your child has a learning disability or has had academic accommodations (IEP), make an appointment with the Accessibility Centre between May and August. Planning for this before the term starts will allow the office to assess the individual student and have a plan in place for when school begins.


  • 3. Attending College

    Parents Changing Roles & Responsibilities

    Post-secondary education is considered ADULT education, therefore, your child is now considered an adult and is now responsible for seeking out resources and advocating for themselves on their own.

    It is the student's responsibility to contact professors - not yours. Unless a consent form is filled out, professors cannot discuss a student's progress with anyone but that student.

    Parents can, however, be aware of the resources available and direct their children to seek assistance when and where it is needed.

    Resources of Support for Students

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      Academic

      Free tutoring is available for particular subjects on campus. More information can be found at the Testing Centre.

      The Centre for Academic Integrity assists students in developing good study habits and teaches students to eliminate risk factors that could lead to cheating.

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      Health & Wellness
      Physical Health
      The college has an on campus Health & Wellness centre with a full-time Nurse and part-time physicians and nurse practitioners. This service is available to all students.
      Mental Health
      The counselling office provides academic, career and personal counselling to all students. Students can also access a food bank on campus.
      Spiritual Health
      The college has an on campus chaplain who is available to all students no matter what their religious background.
      Student Clubs
      There are many social and emotional benefits to being involved in college clubs and groups. Students can contact the Student Administrative Council (SAC) for details or sign up during the first few weeks of school.
      Financial Aid
      For any information about OSAP, bursaries and scholarships, on campus employment or emergency loans, students can visit the Office of the Registrar & Financial Aid Services.
       
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      Indigenous Students

      The Indigenous Students' Centre is available to help students achieve their academic goals. They offer a number of supports from peer tutoring to financial assistance.

       

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