How to (Gently) Guide Your Parents Through Your College Decision

When it comes to choosing your next step—like enrolling in a college, for example—you’re not the only one who feels a bit of uncertainty. Your parents, seasoned veterans of their own lives, suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar territory. They’re facing an environment with new vocabulary, a new reality, and a future that includes their child navigating specialized fields like design, fashion, digital arts, video games or business. It’s perfectly normal for them to feel a little off-balance, almost like first-timers stepping into a new school.

With a bit of patience, you can help guide them through the process. Consider it a sort of gentle mentorship. Here’s how you can help them find their footing and feel confident that you’ve put real thought into your choice.

1. Start with the Big Picture

Parents sometimes get caught up in the details before they fully see the landscape. Give them a view of why LaSalle College (or your chosen college) is the right fit for you:

• Highlight the reasons you’re drawn to a specific program (or programs), whether it’s the hands-on approach that immerses you in industry realities, the passionate teachers who push you to excel, or the courses that align with what you truly want to learn.
• Show them that your choice isn’t just a random dart thrown on a map. You’ve done your research on:
• Student life and campus experience,
• Job placement rates,
• Teachers,
• The college’s reputation and its proximity to the industry,
• The support services available, including internship placement, psychosocial services, and adapted services.

Like a gentle tour guide, you’re offering them a map even before they start asking where the restrooms are.

2. Offer Clear and Organized Information

Imagine assembling a neat little binder of all the facts they’re curious about. Parents appreciate substance:

• Put key stats into simple terms (tuition, scholarships, financial aid, housing options).
• Compare a few schools side-by-side if necessary, so they see how you arrived at your shortlist.

The goal is to show you’ve done your homework. When they see all the pieces arranged thoughtfully, it’s easier for them to trust your logic.

3. Translate the Jargon

Colleges have their own language, and your parents might need a moment to learn it. Instead of tossing around acronyms and assuming they’ll keep up, take the time to explain:

• What is a co-op internship or a portfolio, and why is it important?
• What is the R-score, and how is it calculated at the college level?
• What’s the difference between a DCS and an ACS?
• What is SRAM, and what are the steps involved?

By unpacking the lingo before they have to ask, you’re making them feel welcome in this new conversation.

4. Involve Them in the Process—Without Overloading

People feel more at ease when they’re invited into a journey. Consider simple ways to include them:

• Invite them to the college’s open house or watch a virtual tour together. Explore the facilities that interest you.
• Share a testimonial from a graduate whose career path inspires you.
• Talk to them about how campus life could contribute to your growth as both a student and a future professional.

This isn’t about giving them the steering wheel; it’s about letting them know you’re happy to have them in the passenger seat.

5. Address Practical Concerns Up Front

Your parents likely think about your studies’ long-term value, your future career, and finances—just as you do. Get ahead of their questions by addressing these topics:

• Explain how the curriculum at LaSalle College (or the college of your choice) is designed to meet industry needs, ensuring you develop practical skills that matter to employers. Highlight the hands-on nature of the program and, if applicable, emphasize internship and job placement services.
• Show them all the research you’ve done on financial aid options, paid internships, and part-time job opportunities on or off campus.
• Walk them through the program length, the types of diplomas offered, and how each step aligns with your long-term goals.

When they realize you’re not skimming over the tough topics, they’ll feel more secure in your ability to choose wisely.

6. Keep the Conversation Steady and Respectful

The best support often comes from a balanced give-and-take. Check in with them about their thoughts, acknowledge their concerns, and show that you’re considering multiple factors. Let them ask their questions, and answer as honestly and openly as possible. The calm, assured tone you bring to these conversations will do wonders in easing any lingering nerves.

7. Show Appreciation for their Support

While you’re at it, let them know you value their input and their presence throughout this decision. A simple “I’m glad we’re talking this through” can reassure them that they’re not being pushed aside in a major life choice. This gratitude reminds them—and you—that this is a team effort, even though the final step is yours to take.

As you navigate your path, you’re quietly leading your parents through unfamiliar halls. With a well-structured approach, clear communication, and a touch of empathy, you can help them feel settled and assured. In doing so, you’ll find your own confidence growing, too.

After all, the best decisions are made when everyone involved has the opportunity to understand and trust the direction you’re heading in. By guiding them gracefully, you’re proving just how ready you are for the next chapter.