Your support

University study can be more demanding and time-consuming than the HSC, and will require many hours of study even out of class and semester time:

• Be prepared to make fewer demands on your son or daughter (e.g. housework, family events etc.) during exam time or when assignments are due.
• Celebrate your son or daughter’s successes. If they’re unhappy with something they have done, it’s better to remind them of their successes and help them put their disappointment behind them so that they can move on with a positive attitude.
• If your son or daughter is having problems, encourage them to talk about them with their tutor or the university counsellor – especially if they won’t talk to you!

If you think your son or daughter is struggling, talk to them directly before approaching anyone else. The best way you can help is to:

• Listen to your son or daughter if and when they need to talk. You don’t have to offer solutions, but you can suggest they seek help from university services.
• Encourage your son or daughter to use university services such as careers advice, counselling, academic support and skills workshops.
• Take a positive interest in their life – particularly in the progress of their studies and their sporting and social achievements.
• Try not to interfere or offer unwanted advice – this is a period when they need to manage many situations independently.