You’d think being off at college meant you wouldn’t talk to mom and pops until you needed money for food or gas. Heck, you’ll see them over Thanksgiving break–you can chat then. Well, that’s definitely not going to work. You’ll have worried parents at your dorm door in no time. Keeping in touch with your parents will keep everyone at ease.

Set a time to talk to your parents. Doing this each day will help you to remember to call and will leave your parents more at ease. The walk between classes is a great time to chat. It won’t be too long of a conversation but just enough to fill your parents in on your interesting professors.

If you’re doing something fun or interesting, send a picture! They’ll be glad to know you’re happy and enjoying new-found freedom. They’ll be excited you can cook a meal without burning the dorm down and doing laundry without having your clothes shrink. Your parents will be so excited they’ll probably email the photo you send to them to the entire family.

Saying goodbye to your parents for the first time can take a lot of adjusting. Open communication with your parents will make the transition so much easier. You can be  independent without completely shutting them out. After all, they are the reason you’re off at college in the first place.