We all know that a parent’s work is never done –even though you’ve help pack up and deposit your big bundle of joy at college. Here are some points to consider from Maria Pascucci, former student and author.

1) Your children are more than the measure of their GPA. Perfection is not necessary for success.

2) Encourage your child to think big, because life is about possibilities, not limitations. “A lot of kids are stressed out about trying to find the perfect major when they’re 18 or 19,” Pascucci. “College is really about developing transferable skills, about taking classes that sound interesting to you, and getting involved with campus career centers and alumni offices. A lot of parents pressure their kids to pick a major that’s practical, even though the student might not be interested in it. So you can major in English like I did, but if you learn how to conduct informational interviews and really take advantage of career services, you can make any career go.”

3) Your children and their friends have opportunities for success, so they can help each other. “Competition is huge, and it’s unnecessary,” Pascucci said. “Even if parents don’t push, classmates will. When you form allies on your career search, everyone benefits.”

4) Take a deep breath, and tell your children: I don’t have all the answers in life, but that’s OK because the joy is in the journey. “This generation has been taught that every success is a steppingstone to reaching the next success,” Pascucci said.

“There’s so much overblown catastrophic thinking. Many students don’t set small attainable goals. Be proud of a small achievement. Live in the moment. Just because you got a C on one test does not mean you will live in a basement and eat Ramen noodles.”

5) Success starts with self-love. “Parents do not understand how their own attitudes about work and play affect their children’s,” Pascucci said.

“Take time to relax, and you’ll send a strong message to your children. Our society glorifies workhorses, who brag about how long they work or how little they sleep. It’s really not anything to be proud of, but we all do it.”

— Jane Kwiatkowski