Listen, listen, listen! Be supportive and understanding--always. Give your student unconditional love. Know that part of the college experience and learning includes making mistakes. Call before you visit so there are no surprises. Don't ask your student if he or she is homesick. Students love to receive cards, money and care packages! Don't push if your student does not volunteer information. Expect change; don't be overly critical of what your student is doing. Don't be too upset if your student calls and tells you that nothing is going well. Remember that tomorrow things will most likely be great! Remain calm, even if your student isn't. Write or e-mail--it's nice to get something in your mailbox. Don't select your student's major for them. Be aware of FERPA (http://www.reg.msu.edu/Read/FERPA_FAQ_Parents.pdf)--note that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights concerning their student educational records. The law is also known as FERPA and failure to follow it can result in loss of federal funding. Encourage your student to call professors and other university staff, rather than making that contact yourself! Your student will learn more, having handled the situation him/herself. Trust your student. Encourage your student to do their best. Don't expect all 4.0 grades. Be supportive if your student gets a bad grade. Choose your words carefully. What you say might have a huge impact. Your words might be hurtful.