| DO encourage. |
DON'T nag or harass. |
| DO keep listening and communicating with your student. |
DON'T tell your student what to do. |
| DO insist that your student take responsibility for his/her choices, decisions and actions. |
DON'T take over and assume responsibility for your student. |
| DO keep in touch - establish a pattern such as a weekly letter, phone call, or a brief daily e-mail. |
DON'T insist on frequent visits home or daily phone calls. |
| DO be empathetic as your student makes this challenging transition. |
DON'T feel sorry for your student. Instead, convey the attitude that this is life. |
| DO support your student's positive steps towards independence by asking, "What are you going to do about it?" |
DON'T intervene on their behalf without allowing your student to attempt to resolve the issue first. |