Moving From Home Family to College Family
Most schools will have very strict confidentiality policies with respect to student health records and information. Unless permission is specifically granted, parents may not be able to get any information at all about their child, no matter how serious the condition or circumstances. Parents should inquire about this policy and discuss it with their child so that they can be helpful when needed most by communicating with student health and other support services.
Of course, lots of kids have a tough time going off to college. Most have some bumps in the road, at least the first semester. Others who have had medical or emotional challenges during childhood really thrive at college. In fact, as they find others like them or peers who may have struggles of equal or greater magnitude, many teens who needed a little extra help as they were growing up may feel “normal” and “healthy” for the first time in their lives.
About the Author: Ann Engelland, MD, practices Adolescent Medicine in Mamaroneck, New York and is the mother of seven teens and young adults.