Resources for Parents
The resources on this page are designed to equip parents with some scripts and tools that will help them engage in effective communication with their college-attending child. Many common situations that increase the risk for high-risk drinking, like the 21st birthday, spring break, and housing and roommates are covered.
For more information, please visit the College Parents Matter website.
Cannabis Fact Sheet: Let’s Talk About Cannabis
This fact sheet provides definitions of terminology such as cannabis, marijuana, THC, and CBD.
Real Kids are Curious About Alcohol
Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your child’s decisions about alcohol.
Fall Semester—A Time for Parents To Discuss the Risks of College Drinking
As college students arrive on campus this fall, it is typically a time of new experiences, new friendships, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately for many, it is also a time of harmful and underage drinking.
21st Birthday
Birthdays are a joyous time for everyone involved in the celebration. Because the 21st birthday marks a change in legal drinking status, more than 80% of college students report drinking alcohol while celebrating their 21st birthday.
Addressing Cannabis Use
Did you know that approximately 44% of people will have tried marijuana by the time they are 18 years old and that now more youth are using marijuana than cigarettes?
Halloween
No longer simply an amusing night of trick-or-treating for young children, Halloween has now become a major drinking holiday in the United States. Halloween is also a particularly popular social event for college students, and the festivities can last for several days.
Holidays
Students might skip class during these highly anticipated drinking holidays and might even skip class the day after to recover. Oftentimes, they miss important assignments and lessons, which can lead to academic struggles.
Housing & Roomates
Living in a residence hall is a huge adjustment for college students. It’s most likely your child’s first exposure to being independent and living with people outside of your family.
Impaired Driving
You’ve probably heard someone say “Don’t drive if you’ve had too much to drink!”. Seems like a pretty good thing to say, right? Well, if you think about it a bit more, that common warning really doesn’t make sense.
Off Campus Housing
Many students choose to live off-campus for a variety of reasons such as more space, wanting more freedom, or financial reasons. Regardless of the reason, living off-campus means that your child is completely independent and unsupervised.
Sexual Assault
Through the feedback we’ve received, families have told us that they want to know more about talking with their college-age child about how alcohol relates to sexual assault.
Spring Break
After a long semester, your child is looking forward to spring break as a time to relax, catch up on work, or have some fun. There are many different options that your child can choose from to enjoy time off from school.
Resources for Parents
Tools and scripts for parents to improve communication with their college student.
Cannabis Fact Sheet: Let’s Talk About Cannabis
This fact sheet provides definitions of terminology such as cannabis, marijuana, THC, and CBD.
Real Kids are Curious About Alcohol
Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your child’s decisions about alcohol.
Fall Semester—A Time for Parents To Discuss the Risks of College Drinking
As college students arrive on campus this fall, it is typically a time of new experiences, new friendships, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately for many, it is also a time of harmful and underage drinking.
21st Birthday
Birthdays are a joyous time for everyone involved in the celebration. Because the 21st birthday marks a change in legal drinking status, more than 80% of college students report drinking alcohol while celebrating their 21st birthday.
Addressing Cannabis Use
Did you know that approximately 44% of people will have tried marijuana by the time they are 18 years old and that now more youth are using marijuana than cigarettes?
Halloween
No longer simply an amusing night of trick-or-treating for young children, Halloween has now become a major drinking holiday in the United States. Halloween is also a particularly popular social event for college students, and the festivities can last for several days.
Holidays
Students might skip class during these highly anticipated drinking holidays and might even skip class the day after to recover. Oftentimes, they miss important assignments and lessons, which can lead to academic struggles.
Housing & Roomates
Living in a residence hall is a huge adjustment for college students. It’s most likely your child’s first exposure to being independent and living with people outside of your family.
Impaired Driving
You’ve probably heard someone say “Don’t drive if you’ve had too much to drink!”. Seems like a pretty good thing to say, right? Well, if you think about it a bit more, that common warning really doesn’t make sense.
Off Campus Housing
Many students choose to live off-campus for a variety of reasons such as more space, wanting more freedom, or financial reasons. Regardless of the reason, living off-campus means that your child is completely independent and unsupervised.
Sexual Assault
Through the feedback we’ve received, families have told us that they want to know more about talking with their college-age child about how alcohol relates to sexual assault.
Spring Break
After a long semester, your child is looking forward to spring break as a time to relax, catch up on work, or have some fun. There are many different options that your child can choose from to enjoy time off from school.