Off to School They Go!

“Education is like breathing; it opens up the possibility for the ongoing growth of the human

mind and body while creating the potential for intergenerational change.”

– Dr. P. Miller, 2025

In 2022/2023, approximately 2.2 million students will enroll in universities and colleges across

Canada (www.150.statcan.gc.ca). That’s an incredible number of young adults walking through the doors of inspiring universities across Canada. This blog is written by me, Dr. Miller—mom, researcher, business owner, psychologist, and academic at Mount Royal University, Canada.

This fall, all three of my adult children will be attending universities across Canada as they advance their careers, support their families, and contribute to the Canadian workforce. We’ve become an education-focused family, and while we’re fortunate, it also means juggling deadlines and a commitment to getting things done.

This blog is written by my youngest daughter and myself to inspire, support, and guide both

parents and post-secondary students. It's normal to feel anxious as you approach your first days of post-secondary school, so it's important to develop good support systems. Remember: you’re not alone in feeling afraid, stressed, excited, or eager to start and finish what you wish to accomplish.

For students: when you’re feeling afraid, remind yourself that you made it and got yourself through the doors, with the help of various supports. The potential is within you- and you are not alone in feeling afraid.

As a Parent:

I remember the day I dropped my youngest daughter off at university—across the country in

beautiful Nova Scotia. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving her behind with her fellow students, staying in residence. I was filled with the anxiety of “Will she be okay?” These normal fears didn’t have immediate answers, except a text from her saying, “Have a safe trip home. I love you and thank you for supporting me in getting to university.”

There were a few tears on the flight home, but I knew they were normal. Of course, the house felt quieter and less chaotic. I reclaimed parts of the home, feeling both sadness and happiness for her newfound life experience. To stay connected with a university student (i.e., your child), I developed a schedule for check-ins. Every Sunday was a mandatory call, and throughout the week, we had check-ins, letters, and small packages to encourage and comfort her—letting her know she was always in my thoughts.

Here are some additional parenting hacks for ongoing connection:

1. Texting – Not too often, but often enough to find a rhythm that works for everyone.

2. Check-ins, especially when exam and paper-writing seasons hit.

3. If they are studying in another province, send letters with small reminders from home,

like food, books, or pictures of pets.

4. Things to look forward to – remind them of upcoming breaks and encourage family

members to check in (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other support figures).

5. If you think they are struggling, get involved—Canadian universities, colleges, and

technical institutes offer excellent student services that can help with mental health,

medical services, food banks, and other student resources.

6. Encourage them to make friends, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, have fun, and find a

balance, as it’s easy to get behind with academic work when deadlines pile up.

7. If you’re worried about your child’s well-being, seek professional support.

8. Lastly, trust that they are growing into the best version of themselves and can manage

their schedules, eat properly, and get to class on time. If they don’t quite get it this year,

they can always try again or find ways to balance work and school.

Things Parents Experience:

There are many thoughts and feelings parents experience as they send their children off to postsecondary: Did I do enough to prepare them? Am I glad they are spreading their wings and growing into good humans? Am I afraid they may not make it? Will they make good friends? These thoughts, while you’re lying awake at night, are normal (or some parents might sleep better, now that their young adult is no longer coming home late at night).

It’s normal to want to know what’s happening in your child’s life, but they can handle some

responsibility. There’s a continuum of experiences parents go through—some are easier to

manage than others. Parents need support during this transition too. Some are eager to move on, travel, read, and rest more, while others may miss the busy routine of running kids to activities. Whatever you're feeling is "okay." Your adult child is off and running—and probably won’t return home until the first break. If they live at home, expect them to be busy with their academic work and less involved in family chores.

You can support your child in getting their work done, but they also need to learn to manage their schoolwork. The academic world today is about young people learning time management and developing personal responsibility within their academic communities. Growing a good human takes time and energy- which they now can share in the responsibility of- aka- you did a good job to support them to be a post-secondary student.

As an Educator:

Being a post-secondary educator has been a fulfilling aspect of my career. I’m a lifelong learner, and for the first time, I’m not chasing another degree (after completing two master’s and Ph.D’s. while raising a family and working). From a classroom perspective, research shows that mental health concerns affect approximately 75% of students, with 32% reporting their mental health as poor or very poor (Canadian Association of Student Associations and Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2022). As educators, we see these challenges and support students by encouraging them to use mental health resources.

While these statistics may elevate concerns for both professionals and parents, rest assured:

Canadian post-secondary institutions offer robust resources to support students. I always

encourage students to use these resources, meet with a counselor, and build their own support networks. Standing in a classroom with university students is an incredible experience. I am proud to help shape the future of these young people—like breathing, it feels natural and invigorating.

As I enter another academic year, even if it’s just one class this time, I’m excited to continue this significant role in shaping society. As a researcher- I know the importance of developing and supporting a robust academic community for our Canadian society. We are stronger, and this has been proven throughout history. We need each other to get through trying times.

To Continue Where My Mother Left Off…

Hi! I’m Dakota, entering my fourth year of university. As someone born and raised in Alberta,

moving across the country for university in Nova Scotia was a big decision. I questioned it in

those first few weeks, but I’m incredibly grateful for the time and experiences I’ve had here.

Now that you know a bit about my journey, I want to ease some of your worries and give you a first-hand look into freshman year at a Canadian university.

Welcome to University – the most thrilling, exciting, nerve-wracking, joyful, scary, and special

time of your life so far.

I remember the week leading up to my first year of university like it was yesterday. The uncertainty of leaving home, moving to a strange new place, and wondering, “What have I done?” The excitement of finding a dorm, then arriving at the university for the first time and feeling overwhelmed. But my parents helped me settle in. There were moments of sadness and confusion, but also the excitement of meeting new people and making new friends. It was a whirlwind.

In sum, your first year of university is a time of mixed emotions and new experiences. While it

wasn’t always easy, I still vividly remember the excitement of those first few weeks. It’s an

experience like no other. My biggest advice for freshman students is to lean into every emotion. This is one of the most exciting times in your life—so enjoy and savor every moment! You’ll look back and wonder how it all went by so quickly. Think of your freshman year as a clean slate. Step out of your comfort zone. Try new things. I was overwhelmed by the social scene at first, but I forced myself to talk to people—and it paid off. I met one of my best friends on the second day, and I’m so glad I pushed through my fears.

Once the excitement fades and things get real, it can be tough. But I promise it will be okay. I had no family in Nova Scotia when I moved there, but soon enough, I built my own support

system with friends who became my new family.

To all the parents out there: it will be okay. Trust that you raised your child well and gave them the tools to succeed. Even if we seem grown up, we still need your support. I may be

independent, but sometimes, I need the comfort of knowing my parents are there to tell me it will all be okay.

And don’t forget, care packages, snacks, coffee gift cards, and pictures of pets are always

appreciated.

Leaving home was hard, but it was also one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Distance has made me appreciate home even more. As my university chapter nears its end, I’m so grateful for the experiences I’ve had.

Students, lean into this exciting time! Find your people and lean on them during tough times. You’re about to embark on one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Parents, repeat after me: “It will all be okay.” And it will. You may miss us, but soon enough,

we’ll be back, driving you crazy again.

One last piece of advice: Check out all the university resources available to your child. If

eligible, accommodation centers for testing can be a huge support. Familiarizing your child with health and counseling resources early on is also a good idea.

Good luck as your child embarks on their university journey. As for me, I can’t wait to go back

for my final year, though I’ll miss this experience.

Be bold. Be brave. Have fun! And remember, it will all be okay.

Sincerely,

Dakota

We are proud to Be Canadians – Chins Up, Everyone!

Sincerely,

Dr. Miller R. Psych. MA Counselling Psychology, Psy.D., BSW, RCMSW, PhD (Behavioral and

Social Sciences)

References

• Mental Health Commission of Canada: Retrieved August 30, 2025, from

https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/insights-on-implementation-of-the-nationalstandard-