The final application has been submitted, one last deadline beaten— college application season has closed for seniors. Such a stressing time for these young adults is made worse by helicopter parents. If the student doesn’t want their parents to be nosing around and making things worse, there is one simple solution: don’t tell them anything.
Parents fear letting their child fly free from the nest— after all, that’s natural parent instinct. But when immigrant parents (in specific) try to keep their children tied down, it is quite obnoxious. Former teens themselves, they came to America alone at young ages and developed their lives. Now, them keeping their children from spreading their own wings is simple hypocrisy.
There are also parents who want their children near; out-of-state colleges and universities is a huge no-go. The thought of having their child live across the U.S., or maybe even the world, makes them practically foam at the mouth. Parents care, they really do, but the way they express themselves— in harsh words and guilt trips —is just pure nonsense.
What adults are unaware of is that their children aren’t going to be children anymore. In just a few months after college applications, maybe even before or during the process, all these children will transform into 18-year-old adults. With the gift of that age, there is virtually nothing that could stop these prospering college students.
All it takes is a little secrecy and practicing saying “no.” Rebellion is needed at times; teenage rebellion adds experience and teaches lessons. The supposed parents and guardians aren’t going to be there for all eternity, and independence is a valued skill. If parents won’t teach this skill because of fear of abandonment, they are failing their kids.
Busy parents aren’t going to have time to keep track of every college applied to or every essay written. If they do end up asking, a white lie can easily solve any issue. Living with said guardian for years gives an advantage— the student knows what they want to hear.
Don’t mention what schools have been applied to if it’s known they will disapprove. Don’t show the written college essay if there are sensitive things written on there. If anything, counterparts can be made to display to parents— in the end, most parents will have to help their child pay for studies. If the parent isn’t helping pay for anything to begin with, they have no say in what the child decides to pursue.
Parents are supposed to support their child and their endeavors. Despite them not always being able to communicate or understand the needs of their children correctly, they should never attempt to derail them from their future decisions and goals.
Some, unfortunately, do cave in. But, if there is still time to lay out a plan, then go ahead and let the defiant side kick in while staying focused on the final objective: freedom.
