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The halfway point in the semester can be challenging for college students. Between midterms, projects and looming finals, motivation can dip. As a family member, your support can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to help your student stay grounded and encouraged.��

Start by asking what they need

Before offering advice or solutions, check in with your student and ask what kind of support would be most helpful right now. They might simply want a listening ear—a safe space to share what they’re feeling without hearing recommendations. Or, they may need a suggestion for getting organized or want help connecting to resources on campus. Let your student lead the conversation and resist the urge to jump into “fix-it” mode too quickly. This empowers them and helps build trust in your relationship.��

Talk about expectations

College students often put pressure on themselves to be perfect. Gently remind your student that doing their best is enough. Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What does ‘good enough’ look like for you right now?”

• “Are your expectations helping or hurting your well-being?”

• “Would this still feel important in a month?”��

Listening with empathy—without jumping in with advice—can help your student feel heard and supported.��

Encourage positive self-talk

If your student is being hard on themselves, help them reframe their thoughts. Instead of “I’m so behind,” encourage them to say, “I’m making progress, and I’ll get there.” This kind of self-compassion can boost motivation and reduce stress.����

Sometimes, students may also bond over how stressed they are, sharing stories about late nights or how many coffees they've had. While connecting over shared challenges can feel comforting, this kind of “stress bragging” can make burnout seem normal. Gently guide your student to focus on positive self-talk and remind them that taking care of their well-being is just as important as academic success.��

Check in on basic needs

As midterms ramp up, it’s important for students to remember that practicing self-care and tending to basic needs can lay the foundation for academic success and emotional well-being. Encourage your student to check in with themselves using the HALT method:

• H: Are they hungry?��

• A: Are they angry?��

• L: Are they lonely?��

• T: Are they tired?��

Meeting these needs helps students stay focused and emotionally balanced.��

Promote breaks and boundaries

Studying nonstop isn’t sustainable. Suggest study techniques like the Pomodoro method—25 minutes of focused work followed by short breaks, and repeating the cycle. Encourage your student to set limits on how late they’ll stay up or how much they’ll take on.��

Celebrate small wins

Finishing a study guide or submitting a paper is worth celebrating. Help your student recognize these moments with small rewards—like a favorite meal, time with friends or a quiet evening to recharge.��

Remind them: Grades don’t define them

It’s easy for students to tie their worth to academic performance. Let your student know they’re valued for who they are—not how they perform. Encourage them to take a deep breath and let go of what they can’t control once an assignment is turned in.����

If they do get a grade that is lower than what they expected, encourage them to view it as a learning opportunity. Talk together about what they might try differently next time, such as new study strategies, seeking help from professors, or using campus resources. Remind them that setbacks are a normal part of learning and growth, and that each challenge can help them build resilience for the future.��

Normalize asking for help

College students may hesitate to reach out, even when they need support. Remind them that professors, campus resources and family are all there to help. They don’t have to do it alone.��

Encourage your student to use tutoring services on campus. Your Buff can also use wellness resources like Let's Talk through Counseling & Psychiatric Services, where they can drop in for a free chat with a counselor to get advice or find out about other ways to get support. Another helpful option is Peer Wellness Coaching, where students can talk with trained peers about stress, discuss ways to promote well-being, learn about helpful campus resources and connect with someone who understands what college life is like.