Helping Your College Student Thrive Away From HomeWhat I’ve learned about prayer, support, and parenting from afar.
One of the hardest parts of sending my kids off to college—especially when they’re nearly 900 miles away—is not being able to be there for the little things. I can’t bring them home when life feels overwhelming, and I can’t drop by with soup when they’re sick. But over the past few years, I’ve found some practical ways to stay connected and care for them, even from a distance.
Here are a few things that have made a difference for us:
Handwritten notes and care packages. College students love mail! In an age of texts and emails, a letter in their mailbox is special. Care packages with snacks, small gifts, or even inside jokes always brightened my kids’ days.
Supplements for their health. Cafeteria food isn’t always the most nutritious. Making sure they had vitamins and supplements gave me peace of mind that they were supporting their health in the gaps. Some of our most used supplements are Ningxia Red, Inner Defense, and Super Vitamin C.
Diffusers or small comforts from home. A fun diffuser or a favorite scent made their dorm rooms feel more like home. Little touches like that can make a big difference when they’re far away.
Preparing well before they leave. Before each semester, I did my best to help them get everything in order—from class supplies to laundry essentials. It helped ease their transition and gave them confidence to start strong.
None of these things replace being physically present, but they are small ways of showing love and support that matter more than we realize.
Even with all the practical steps, I’ll admit that I often feel like a novice at parenting adult children. It’s such a different journey from when they were home with me. Yet it’s also an incredible joy. I get to see my kids learn independence, take responsibility, and grow in their faith. And while I may not always know what they need, I know the Lord does—and that truth steadies me when the miles feel long.
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My Etsy Shop, HOPE & HARMONY PAGES is running a September sale! Inside you’ll find digital printables for grief support, school, homeschool, classroom use, organization, and even some new holiday-themed items. Since they’re instant downloads, you’ll receive your printable as soon as you purchase.
If you’re walking through loss—or know someone who is—here are three resources I’ve created specifically for grief:
HOPE IN THE MOURNING: A 30 DAY JOURNAL FOR THE GRIEVINGGRIEF TO GRACE MINI GUIDE: 5 GENTLE STEPS TOWARD HOPE
All three of these resources work together, or you can use them separately. Use them for yourself, or gift them to someone who needs them.
These resources can be used separately or together as a beautiful set. Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, my prayer is that they bring encouragement and hope.
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