MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
AND AFFORDABLE
“POUFS” WORK AS
FURNITURE AND CAN
BE USED FOR SEATING
OR SIDE TABLES.
T GET PERSONAL
AMANDA ZUCKERMAN, CO-FOUNDER/DESIGNER OF DORMIFY suggests covering white walls by creating
a “gallery wall” concept. Use posters, photos of family and friends and other decorative objects. You don’t
need to make it perfect or symmetrical; in fact, the more character the better. You don’t need to use frames
that will ruin the wall. You can frame photos and posters with colored washi tape or masking tape.
a few reminders
When I left for college, my parents gave me a few tips about how
to survive on my own. You probably remember the typical advice
from back in the day. Don’t walk alone on campus at night. Make
sure you have enough money in your bursar’s account to pay
for your meals. Lock your door. If you’re sick, go to the student
health center. Those points were good at the time. But I’ve spent
the past 25 years on college campuses, and I’m here to tell you
that college freshman these days need to know more. Teach
these “off to college” lessons to your college-bound child this
summer, and I promise that they will have the edge over the
majority of the other freshman on campus.
GO TO CLASS. As parents we assume that our kids
understand that they need to attend class. Don’t assume. Let
them know that they MUST attend their classes in order to
succeed. I have spoken to countless freshman over the years who
are perplexed as to why they are doing so poorly after their first
semester. My first question is always “Do you attend class?” Their
answers vary between sometimes, not really, and when I can. It’s
never yes! My guidance is not rocket science. Go to class every
day. If you’re still having troubles after a semester of consistent
attendance, come back and see me. And guess what? They don’t
need to after following that one simple rule.
GET HELP IMMEDIATELY. After high school, parents have
little ability to truly know how their kids are doing academically
until the end of the semester. And unfortunately, our kids often
try to hide academic difficulties from us until then. Encourage
your kids to keep an eye on their grades throughout the
26
T by Polly Dunn
Dr. Polly Dunn is a licensed child psychologist,
wife and mom of four. She is the director of the
Auburn University Psychological Services Center
and offers her ‘Perfectly Imperfect Parenting
Solutions’ at www.ChildPsychMom.com.
semester, and if they are having trouble, then go get help
immediately. Colleges everywhere have free tutoring services,
writing centers, study skills classes and time management
seminars. Tell them to take advantage of office hours for the
classes they’re struggling with. Get help early on because after
the grades are finalized, it’s too late.
LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET.
The next time you’re visiting a college campus, take a minute
and watch the students walking to class. They walk while looking
at their phones. They do not look up. Ever. This includes walking
into traffic. Tell your kids that they must look up and make sure
there are no cars coming before they walk into the crosswalk.
I know you’re thinking that you taught them this in preschool.
Well guess what? They forgot! Driving through a college campus
these days is like being in a real life version of the 80s arcade
game “Frogger.” Seriously. Remind your kids that although the
pedestrian has the right of way, they still need to use common
sense and not walk out in front of a moving vehicle.
These ideas seem so elementary. I get it. But trust me, a few extra
minutes spent encouraging these lessons this summer will go a
long way during your child’s freshman year.
www.potentialmagazine.com
IMAGE COURTESY OF DORMIFY / DORMIFY.COM
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