---
title: 5 Things You Need to Know When Your Kid Goes to College
description: Author Harlan Cohen provides tips for how not to be a crazy helicopter parent.
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published: '2015-12-21T17:06:06.000Z'
modified: '2015-12-21T17:06:06.000Z'
section: Education
tags:
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word_count: 163
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source: structured-blocks
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![Screen Shot 2015-12-21 at 10.35.43 AM](https://img.money.com/2015/12/screen-shot-2015-12-21-at-10-35-43-am.png)

Author [Harlan Cohen](http://www.harlancohen.com) has five tips on how to approach parenting throughout your child's college career.

**It's okay to be uncomfortable.** Experiencing college for the first time as a parent can be strange. Feeling unsure is normal.

**Think the 3 P's before you panic.** People, places, and patience. Before you drive your child to school, think about who you know that lives in a close proximity, where they can find help and take a deep breath because everything will be okay.

**Give your kids permission to struggle.** It's hard to watch your children fail because you want life to be easy for them. But sometimes failure is the best way to learn.

**Give them 24 hours** to figure out their own problems before you step in and fix it for them. They may surprise you.

**Find out your child's opinion.** Actually listen to what your children have to say. If they are truly unsure of what to do, guide them to the answer.

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