If you have read several of our posts here at College Parent Central, you’ve certainly seen by now that we feel that good communication is one of the important keys to many college students’ success. That good communication must take place between the student and the college, between the parents and the college, but most importantly between the parents and the student. Good communication is transactional and involves both talking and listening.
Because we feel that good communication is so important, we have several posts about improving or maximizing communication. There are some ways in which we can all improve our skills. We recommend that you take some time to read some of the following posts and think about both your own communication skills and those of your college student. Is there room for improvement?
Five Principles of Good Communication
Being aware of good communication goals is a great way to start or improve your communication with your college student.
- Communicating With Your College Student: Are You Listening? (listening skills)
- Communicating With Your College Student: Are You Reading Between the Lines? (nonverbal communication)
- Communicating With Your College Student: Are You Sure You Understand? (perception checking)
- Communicating With Your College Student: Six Principles to Help You Make the Most of Opportunities (applying interviewing principles)
- Communicating With Your College Student: Is the Climate Right? (positive climate)
The Very Important Skill of Listening Well
Sometimes the less we say the better we communicate. Listening well isn’t as easy as it seems.
- Two Habits That Will Make Your College Student Stop Listening to You
- Twelve Things You Can Do To Help You Listen to Your College Student
- Communicating With Your College Student: Are You Listening?
The Many Forms of Good Communication
Good communication involves how well you listen, and what you have to say – but also so much more.
- Need to Talk To Your College Student? Choose Your Time and Place Carefully
- Five Conversations Parents and Students Should Have Before the First Year of College
- Five More Conversation Starters For Parents and Students Before the First Year of College
- Connecting With Your College Student By Phone – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
- Reach Out to Your Student Through Good Old Fashioned Snail Mail
- Ten Things to Do If You Need to Call Your Child’s College
- Helping Your College Student Avoid “How Do I Tell My Parents?” Fears
- Be Prepared for the “Meltdown” Phone Call from Your College Freshman