@lovethesun very good question and this definitely is an especially challenging time for a parent. Yes, it’s very possible the boyfriend is a bad influence. However, freshman year for our child is a challenging adjustment and it’s actually very common for a child to want to quit and want to come home. This is something discussed during parent orientation where parents are told to encourage their child to hang in there and keep trying to adjust to college life.

It’s a big change from the more intimate high school environment. In college there is a bit of a shock because it really is so different from the much smaller high school world. It’s not just this boyfriend but how his insecurities are bringing out your daughters insecurities as she is at a vulnerable time being a freshman and only a couple months into this new college life.

It’s a very stressful vulnerable time and it’s definitely hard for the parent because at this age the child wants to be more independent yet doesn’t have the skills yet.