--- title: "Preparing for College: Things to Talk With Your Teen About" description: Do you have a child preparing for college? There are important decisions to make and topics to discuss. Read this article together to start the conversation started. image: https://blog.glcc.edu/hubfs/Preparing%20for%20college.%20Advice%20from%20Great%20Lakes%20Christian%20College..jpg --- (800) YES-GLCC | [glcc@glcc.edu](mailto:glcc@glcc.edu) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/glcccrusaders) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/greatlakeschristiancollege) [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/glcccrusaders/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/glcccrusaders/?hl=en) [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/GLCCCrusaders/videos) [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/company/1075996?trk=tyah) [![](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20Header%20-%20White%20on%20Blue.png?width=1200&height=300&name=Logo%20Header%20-%20White%20on%20Blue.png)](https://www.glcc.edu/) - Online - [Online Degrees](https://www.glcc.edu/online-christian-college-courses/) - [Bible Theology](https://www.glcc.edu/bible-theology-online-associate-of-arts/) - [Business Logistics](https://www.glcc.edu/bachelor-of-science-in-business-logistics/) - [Christian Leadership & Communication](https://www.glcc.edu/christian-leadership-communication-online-bachelors-of-science/) - [Church Planting](https://www.glcc.edu/bachelor-of-science-in-christian-leadership-and-church-planting/) - [Dual Enrollment](https://www.glcc.edu/dual-enrollment-online/) - [Youth Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/christian-leadership-youth-ministry-online-bachelor-of-science/) - [Online Cost at a Glance](https://www.glcc.edu/online-college-costs-glance/) - [Apply](https://web.glcc.edu/online-degree-application) - [Admissions](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/) - On-Campus Degrees - [Request More Information](https://web.glcc.edu/inquire) - [Apply to GLCC](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/apply-to-glcc/) - [Schedule a Tour](https://web.glcc.edu/personal-tour) - [Open Houses](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/upcoming-open-houses/) - [Student Community Covenant](https://www.glcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Student-Community-Covenant.pdf) - [College Costs at a Glance](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/college-costs-at-a-glance/) - [Enrollment Requirements](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/apply-to-glcc/enrollment-requirements/) - [Admissions Staff](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Admissions-Department/) - [Dual Enrollment](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/dually-enrolled/) - [Registrar’s Office](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/registrars-office/) - Financial Aid - [Financial Aid and Scholarships](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/) - [Emerging Scholars Program](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/student-success/emerging-scholars-program/) - [Financial Aid](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/) - [Federal Loans](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/federal-loans/) - [Federal District Plus Loan](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/federal-direct-plus-loan/) - [Federal District Loan Instructions](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/federal-direct-loan-instructions/) - [Scholarships](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/) - [Brandon Stout Memorial Scholarship](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/brandon-stout-memorial-scholarship/) - [Academics](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/) - On-Campus Degrees - [Christian College Majors](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/) - [Advanced Biblical Studies](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/advanced-biblical-studies/) - [Bible Theology](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/bible-theology/) - [Business Management Major](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/business/) - [Business Management-Nonprofit](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/business-management-nonprofit/) - [Christian Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/christian-education/) - [Christian Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/christian-ministries/) - [Cross-Cultural Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/cross-cultural-ministries/) - On-Campus Degrees - [Early Childhood Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/early-childhood-education/) - [Elementary Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/elementary-education/) - [Family Life Education](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/family-life-education/) - [History](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/history/) - [Interpersonal and Organizational Communication](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/communications/) - [Music](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/music-major/) - [Psychology / Counseling](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/psychology-counseling/) - [Youth Ministry](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/majors/youth-ministry/) - Student Resources - [Calendar](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/academic-calendar/) - [Catalogs](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/academic-catalogs/) - [Co-Op Programs](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/cooperative-programs/) - [Library](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/library/) - [Student Success](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/student-success/) - [Book Store](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/bookstore/) - [Technology](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/technology/) - [Student Support](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/) - [Technology Support](https://www.glcc.edu/technology-support/) - [Maintenance Request](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/maintenance-request/) - [Student Proposals](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/student-proposals/) - [Counseling Services](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/counseling-services/) - [Email](http://mail.google.com/a/glcc.edu) - [Registrar’s Office](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/registrars-office/) - [Athletics](http://www.glccathletics.com/landing/index) - [Men’s Basketball](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/mbkb/index) - [Women’s Basketball](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/wbkb/index) - [Men’s Soccer](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/msoc/index) - [Women’s Soccer](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/wsoc/index) - [Women’s Volleyball](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/wvball/index) - [Cross Country](http://www.glccathletics.com/sports/xc/index) - News / Events - [News & Updates](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.glcc.edu/events/) - [Advancement](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/) - [Alumni](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/alumni/) - [Knowles Learning Center](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/knowles-learning-center/) - [Give to GLCC](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/give-glcc/) - [Church Resources](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/church-resources/) - [The Key](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/key/) - [Advancement Staff](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Department-of-Finance-and-Operations/Department-of-Institutional-Advancement/) - [Restoration Appreciation Week in Review](https://www.glcc.edu/advancement/restoration-appreciation-week/) - [GLCC History](https://www.glcc.edu/great-lakes-christian-college-history/) - [About](https://www.glcc.edu/about/) - [Why Choose Great Lakes Christian College?](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/why-glcc/) - [Accreditation](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/accreditation/) - [Job Opportunities](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/job-opportunities/) - [Federal Compliance Statistics](https://www.glcc.edu/academic/regulatory-disclosure-statements/) - [Contact](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/) - [Staff & Faculty Directory](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/) - [President’s Office](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Presidents-Office/) - [Academics Department](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/academics-department/) - [Department of Finance and Operations](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Department-of-Finance-and-Operations/) - [Department of Institutional Advancement](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Department-of-Finance-and-Operations/Department-of-Institutional-Advancement/) - [Admissions Department](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Admissions-Department/) - [Athletic Department](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/athletic-department/) - [Faculty](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Faculty/) - [Adjunct Faculty](https://www.glcc.edu/contact/staff-directory/cat/Adjunct-Faculty/) - [Map & Directions](https://www.glcc.edu/map-directions/) Search for: # Preparing for College: Things to Talk With Your Teen About Are you a parent with a high school student preparing for college? While it might seem like only yesterday they were in kindergarten and now they are about to leave home, there are decisions to make. Here are topics to discuss.  ![Preparing for college. Advice from Great Lakes Christian College.](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Preparing%20for%20college.%20Advice%20from%20Great%20Lakes%20Christian%20College..jpg?width=600&name=Preparing%20for%20college.%20Advice%20from%20Great%20Lakes%20Christian%20College..jpg) College is exciting as well as stressful and often lonely. The more your child is emotionally prepared, the easier transition he or she will have. The best way to assure yourself and your child is to talk.  The more your child is prepared for possible situations, the less he or she has to think about what to do in the moment. Planning ahead and being prepared can help avoid many difficult issues--or at least lessen the impact of them.  Also, don't hesitate to reach out to family, friends, your church family, and co-workers, who have already been through the process. They will have some great advice! At the very least, they can offer moral support. Don't forget to use the resources of the college admissions department as they have valuable information to make the transition smooth. Don't underestimate what an emotional time this can be for both parents and students. Talk about the following things. ## Preparing for College: Problem Solving Hopefully by their senior year of high school, your child has experienced some level of problem solving. Negotiating a bad grade, peer pressure, deciding on classes, handling a part-time job, etc.  However, understanding *the process of problem solving* is really important. Your child may encounter a difficult roommate, struggle with a class or professor, or just not have any clean clothes. Without healthy problem solving skills people tend to either avoid a situation or react with a snap judgement without thinking it through.  Instead of focusing on solutions, talk about the actually process of how to make a good decision. **Related:** [Advantages of Private Christian Colleges](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/advantages-of-private-christian-colleges) ![preparing for college problem sovling](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/preparing%20for%20college%20problem%20sovling.jpg?width=400&name=preparing%20for%20college%20problem%20sovling.jpg) ## Preparing for College: Managing Emotions  College-aged students often have a hard time managing intense feelings. It is usually due to lack of life experience and confronting new situations. Anger, frustration, loneliness, fear, and disappointment are common for many different reasons.  Helping your child identify *positive coping skills* can go a long way to help he or she avoid falling into the habit of negative coping skills such as drinking, drugs and other destructive behaviors. Some great ways to deal with strong emotions include: - journaling - exercise - talking with friends/family - praying - artistic endeavors (painting, playing music, writing, etc.) - therapy (counseling) The most important thing to remember is to keep the lines of communication open. At Great Lakes our **counseling services** are exceptional in that we provide two types of counseling: 1. Traditional trained counselors 2. [A Peer Support team](https://www.glcc.edu/student-development/student-support/counseling-services/) made up of trained peer counselors Both types are available to help students work through various issues in a safe, confidential environment. **Related:** [Common Mental Health Challenges for College Students ](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/common-mental-health-challenges-for-college-students) ![preparing for college managing emotions](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/preparing%20for%20college%20managing%20emotions.jpg?width=600&name=preparing%20for%20college%20managing%20emotions.jpg) ## Preparing for College: Time Management  Time management is important in order to be successful in all areas of life. College freshman are truly on their own for the first time. No one is reminding them to wake up, get to class on time, or to eat lunch. This is a bigger struggle for some than others, but it is important to remind your child that everyone struggles with this from time to time.  Even adults would rather be playing or relaxing than tackling those big projects or assignments.  Setting priorities, getting time sensitive things done first, planning ahead, and keeping to a schedule are all very important. Don't forget to talk about making time for fun and the things you love doing too. Time blocking and other methods can be helpful.  Help your child figure out what works best and then discuss implementation and sticking to it.  ![preparing for college time management](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/preparing%20for%20college%20time%20management.jpg?width=600&name=preparing%20for%20college%20time%20management.jpg) ## Preparing for College: Money Management  Whether your child has a part-time job, an allowance, a trust fund, a bank account or very little spending money--there are a lot of ways college students can rack up debt and get into trouble. It is very easy to open credit cards once you are 18 years old. Talk to your child about the types of things they will need money for. Help them set up a budget and determine where the money will be coming from and when. Talk about things they should not be spending their money on. For example, pizza and eating out a lot, junk food, video games, etc.  The earlier your child learns about fiscal responsibility the better they will be set up to have a successful career.  ![preparing for college managing money](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/preparing%20for%20college%20managing%20money.jpg?width=350&name=preparing%20for%20college%20managing%20money.jpg) ## Preparing for College: Peer Pressure  Peer pressure exists during every stage of life, but college can be a tough time when faced with new found freedom. The most important way to combat peer pressure it to talk with your child about their self-worth and values. If they believe in themselves and know that you trust them and believe in them too--they will have what they need to stand their ground when faced with peer pressure. Encourage your child to pray, and to stick to what they know to be true and right. For themselves *and* for their faith.  Peer pressure exists at Christian colleges too, but the difference is that it is accepted and encouraged to talk openly about what it means to lead a Christian life. Your child's peers, professors and other staff are all on the same page when it comes to making good decisions based on Christ's plans for our lives.  This can be very comforting for both students and parents.  ![preparing for college peer pressure](https://blog.glcc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/preparing%20for%20college%20peer%20pressure.jpg?width=600&name=preparing%20for%20college%20peer%20pressure.jpg) ## The Take Away You know your child better than anyone. You know what they are potentially going to struggle with and what they will be most excited about. Even when you have prepared them the best you can, you have to turn them over to God and pray they make good decisions. While we can't make decisions for them, we can teach them the skills and processes. **God's got this! ** Discover More about Great Lakes To learn more about Great Lakes, [request information](https://web.glcc.edu/inquire)or [schedule a tour. ](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/schedule-tour/)Better yet, [apply today!](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/apply-to-glcc/) [![Apply Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/81096fd7-c53c-4598-abf1-17508858c7be.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/81096fd7-c53c-4598-abf1-17508858c7be) By [Great Lakes Christian College](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/author/great-lakes-christian-college) | November 8th, 2021 | Categories: [Choosing a college](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/choosing-a-college), [College Life](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-life), [graduation](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/graduation), [higher education](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/higher-education), [student success](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/student-success), [Private Christian colleges](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/private-christian-colleges) #### Share This Story, Choose Your Platform! [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about) Twitter [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about) [Reddit](https://www.stumbleupon.com/badge/?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about) Google+ [Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about;description=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about) [Vk](http://vkontakte.ru/share.php?url=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about) [Email](mailto:?body=https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/preparing-for-college-things-to-talk-with-your-teen-about) ### Subscribe to the GLCC Blog! ### News & Updates - [Academics (26)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/academics) - [The President's Pen (22)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/the-presidents-pen) - [GLCC Updates (18)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/glcc-updates) - [online degrees (16)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/online-degrees) - [higher education (15)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/higher-education) - [Student Development (14)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/student-development) - [Online Courses (13)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/online-courses) - [Private Christian colleges (13)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/private-christian-colleges) - [Advancement (12)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/advancement) - [Christian Colleges in Michigan (12)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-colleges-in-michigan) - [Athletics (10)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/athletics) - [spiritual development (9)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/spiritual-development) - [College Life (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-life) - [My GLCC Story (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/my-glcc-story) - [Uncategorized (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/uncategorized) - [student success (8)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/student-success) - [Admissions (7)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/admissions) - [learning online (7)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/learning-online) - [online classes (7)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/online-classes) - [Advancement – Discover GLCC (6)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/advancement-discover-glcc) - [Christian College Degrees (6)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-college-degrees) - [spiritual growth (6)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/spiritual-growth) - [Choosing a college (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/choosing-a-college) - [Christian Education (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-education) - [Christian college (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-college) - [Events (5)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/events) - [Bible College in Michigan (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/bible-college-in-michigan) - [Small College Classes (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/small-college-classes) - [adult education (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/adult-education) - [eLearning (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/elearning) - [graduation (3)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/graduation) - [Basketball (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/basketball) - [Life questions (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/life-questions) - [Values (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/values) - [Who Am I (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/who-am-i) - [home schooled (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/home-schooled) - [servant leader (2)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/servant-leader) - [Alumni (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/alumni) - [Christian Ministry (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/christian-ministry) - [College Fairs (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-fairs) - [College professors (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-professors) - [Dream (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/dream) - [Mental Health (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/mental-health) - [accreditation (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/accreditation) - [adult learning (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/adult-learning) - [bible study (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/bible-study) - [church planting (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/church-planting) - [college burn out (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/college-burn-out) - [dual enrollment (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/dual-enrollment) - [networking (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/networking) - [news (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/news) - [purpose (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/purpose) - [summer (1)](https://blog.glcc.edu/blog/tag/summer) See all [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/9d2928f4-41e2-4b06-bd1b-58ef613bf871.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/9d2928f4-41e2-4b06-bd1b-58ef613bf871) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/6a69f20f-0533-430b-a0c0-aff055a3b834.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/6a69f20f-0533-430b-a0c0-aff055a3b834) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3570787/def18e13-53e3-46ca-847e-8cfd73e12a76.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3570787/def18e13-53e3-46ca-847e-8cfd73e12a76) #### APPLY TODAY Save time and complete your application online! [APPLY NOW](https://www.glcc.edu/admissions/apply-to-glcc/) #### ECFA ACCREDITED [![ECFA](https://blog.glcc.edu/hubfs/Glcc_July2018%20Theme/image/ECFA.png)](http://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=8483) #### NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Stay in the loop with  all of the latest GLCC news and updates. [SUBSCRIBE NOW](https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1353639/1352832/?v=a) All Content © 2018 by Great Lakes Christian College | [Terms of Use](https://www.glcc.edu/terms-use/) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.glcc.edu/privacy/) [Michigan WordPress Development](http://www.akeaweb.com/) by AKEA Web Solutions, LLC [Twitter](https://twitter.com/glcccrusaders) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/greatlakeschristiancollege) [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/glcccrusaders/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/glcccrusaders/?hl=en) [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/GLCCCrusaders/videos) [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/company/1075996?trk=tyah)