Keeping Stress at Bay
December is an incredibly stressful time for students. From academic to social pressures, they're likely being pulled in a number of directions. Taking a look at the list of seasonal issues we listed on the front page will give you a clear idea about what they may be facing. Plus, this will help prepare you for any frantic phone calls you may receive in the next few weeks!

You can also be supportive to your student by:

• Calling to check in so your student knows you care, but not requiring him to stay on the phone for long periods of time.
  
• Waiting to discuss important details or have thoughtful conversations until after finals are over — when possible.
  
• Understanding the pressure she is facing and validating her frustrations and stress levels.
  
• Helping him keep things in perspective (i.e. this will all be over in just a few weeks, grades aren't everything, etc.).
  Offering to take responsibility for the things you can (i.e. picking up gifts or running last minute errands, etc.).
  
• Making suggestions for eliminating stress.
  
• Reminding him to take care of himself — this is probably the last thing he'll want to hear ("Sleep? Are you kidding?”), but the reminders to get adequate sleep and food are still important.

Overall, your student may just need a listening ear during these next few weeks. If that's the case, let her vent, validate her feelings and then remind her just how much you love her. More often than not, this is the most helpful thing you can do during this busy time of year.