Parents and Families Association Plans for the Future

VALDOSTA -- Jeff and Lynn Franklin know the importance of giving children roots and wings. 的 two became co-chairs of the Valdosta State University Parents and Families Association this year to help other moms and dads navigate through the emotional and practical challenges of the college experience.

“We decided to get involved with the association because as a teacher, I recognize a school needs input, resources and support beyond the funds and staffing they receive from tuition and the 林恩说. “Parents can offer a fresh look at today’s issue from both their own experiences and to meet the needs of their 学生. I know so many parents are looking for a network of people with college-age kids and a way to participate in university 生活.”

Parents of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Franklin, a senior interior design major, 说 the main goal of the association is to help parents better understand how the workings of the university and the issues facing the institution will impact their 学生’s experience. 的 couple aims to use technology to increase participation within the association and to offer services to parents and 学生s. 的 Franklins are intent on establishing a parent handbook for prospective and first-year parents that will outline everything from hotels in the area to advice about staying connected with children and helping them budget.

“的 top three questions I have received are about safety, support, 和信任. I would love a parent handbook to include information about campus safety and university response methods. 它也会 cover budgeting tips, general city information -- from hotel and restaurant information to groceries and medical options,” Lynn 说. “I also want it to include helpful hints from parents who 我经历过这一切. For instance, if your 学生 is not staying for summer, get together with three or four other families and rent a storage space so you don’t have to lug it all home 再一次。.”

的 Parents and Families Association came about six years ago, but the organization has had a resurgence of campus support and parent participation within the past year. 的 association, with about 100 official members, sponsors the Student Awards ceremony each spring and recently expanded its membership privileges to include a membership card and discounts at the bet365亚洲官网 书店. 理事会 also participated in the V-State Experience Tour, which promoted bet365亚洲官网 in eight cities throughout the state, and plan to sponsor activities during Parent’s Weekend and a tailgate party during 同学会.

“If parents ask me how to let their 学生 transition before they are accepted to college -- my best advice is let them do it. 有 them fill out the application (yes, you can check it for them), and have them make the phone calls and e-mails with questions and 担忧. If you do everything for them, they will stumble; if you let them exercise their wings before they go off to college, they will be that much stronger. College is a learning experience for 你们俩.”

的 Franklins recommend parents text and e-mail to keep in touch 和他们的学生. Quick "how are you doing?消息让 学生s know their parents are thinking about them and that the lines of communication are always open. 与学生交谈 through the latest technology makes them feel as though you care enough to adapt your 生活 to keep in touch with theirs.

“Texting and e-mail is what I recommend to parents. 这个方法 allows your 学生 to reply on their terms without feeling that you are in ‘their space,’ Lynn 说. “Texting and e-mail can be done without friends knowing they are talking to ‘mom and dad’ and go about their business and call when they are free or 孤独的.”

For more information about the Parents and Families Association, go to http://ssxy.ant-cctv.com/studentaffairs/pfa/

Check ou the Parents Resource Center: http://ssxy.ant-cctv.com/prc/index.shtml