An admissions ambassador within the Office of Admissions, sophomore Grace Coulthurst – a dual major in public relations and advertising – serves as a campus tour guide for incoming freshmen and transfers, as well as their parents. Today she shares insight and advice for parents – from experienced Rowan parents – on communication with your student.
Finding the Right Balance
There has never been a point in time where communication has been so accessible. It is so easy for parents to reach their students today. Phone calls, text messages, FaceTime, and numerous other social media platforms provide different ways to stay in touch. It’s important, though, to let the new student adjust to college and not rely so much on her parents that it distracts from her overall experience. So the question is, how much communication is too much? We talked to four experienced parents of college students to get their thoughts.
What Experienced Parents Recommend
John, from NJ believes, “It’s important to let them become independent. The conversations you have should be meaningful. Make sure they’re okay and give you some kind of update, but that doesn’t mean talk every day. Give them space and let them become independent.”
“Direct voice communication at least once a week is good. Getting a text every two or three days is nice. This includes group chats with the whole family. Every day can be a little crazy and too frequent, especially if it turns into daily phone calls. Texting is less personal so even texting daily could be okay, but it depends on the relationship,” explained Pete NJ.
Kim, NJ, says that, “talking like once a week or so is good just to make sure everything is okay. Daily conversations can become too much.”
“You have to try and find a balance. It is more important for me to be available as I’m needed and not become a helicopter parent,” expressed Bill, from NJ. “I always am thinking about her and want her to know that, but I want to give her the chance to grow and not put too much pressure on her.”
Supporting Independence
If a student is commuting, that line can become a little more blurred. It is important to remember that even if a student still lives at home, she is starting a new chapter of her life that includes more responsibilities and new freedoms.
As students start going away to school, remember that it is just as scary for them as it is for you. However, these new experiences will to get students ready for the world ahead of them. Communication is important, but being overbearing can hinder growth.
About Rowan
Since its founding in 1923, Rowan University has evolved from a teacher preparation college to a public research institution ranked among the top 100 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and professional certificates in person and online to nearly 25,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro and its eight other locations in southern New Jersey. Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and the development of public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan is the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Rowan opened New Jersey’s only veterinary school and is one of only two universities in the nation to offer M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. medical degrees.