By Tori Lawhorn, Newsome High

Seniors, you know going to college will affect you in huge ways. But don’t forget it’s also affecting your parents.

They’ve been taking care of you ever since you were born, and now you’ll be out from under their watchful eyes. Of course they’ll be able to see you, you know that, but it’s quite different for them. You’re their baby, their child who will always need to be looked after, and the transition is hard on them.

Now that it’s time to spread your wings, you’re going to need to convince your parents it’s not the end of their world. Convince them you’ll see them more than once a year. You’ll send them more than a few texts here and there. You’ll even Facebook them when you get the chance. These simple promises should go a long way toward keeping your parents sane, or at least help them get used to life without you.

Reassure them that you’ll keep in contact.
A text, a Facebook post, even a 10- minute Skype session will give them enough time with you to remind them you’re not gone for good, just until finals are over. Remember, they have to adjust from seeing you every single day to seeing you every couple of months.

Let them see you
Whenever you get the chance, send them a picture. It could be a photo of you at a tailgate party, you making a funny face in the library or even trying out some of that dorm food. Giving them a visual of what you’re doing will present a more realistic connection with you at college, which also may prevent them from breaking out the old photo albums and sobbing about how cute you once were.

Respect their feelings.
Even though you’re ready to move on to college, your parents are a little more reluctant. Just know that no matter which way they choose to freak out, they’re doing it out of their unconditional love for you. It’ll get easier, for both of you, once you’ve been away for a couple of weeks. Just make sure they know you’re still thinking of them, and that you miss them as much as they’re missing you. They’ll get over it eventually. Who knows? The next time you come home, your room might have been transformed into a workout room. They may even have a brand new dog who goes everywhere with them, including the dining room where he eyes you from across the table wondering why you’re in his house.