AS freshers week falls upon universities across the country, mums and dads are getting ready to help their youngsters move out of home for the first time.
But such a big change is due to spark worries and fears in thousands of parents, with 41% admitting feeling anxious about the idea of their kids going to university.
A Bupa study has found that 64% of those who have a child that has already left home admitted they have even lost sleep worrying about them.
But 53% put these worries down to a fear that their son or daughter feels nothing bad will ever happen to them.
The research also revealed parents’ top fears for their child as they embark on life away from the family home.
These include 43% worrying about their child’s mental health, 44% worrying about their financial situation and 43% worrying about whether they will be lonely.
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Others worry who they will be spending time with, if they’ll know how to look after themselves and what they’ll do when they feel unwell.
“All parents worry about their children, whatever their age,” says Dr Naveen Puri, spokesperson for Bupa Family+.
“But it can be especially difficult when they move out for the first time and become more independent – and you are no longer nearby to help them.
“As a child and even a young adult, when you are unwell or have a health issue, your parents are often your first port of call, or even the ones spotting something is wrong in the first place.
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“They are usually the ones pointing you in the right direction, sorting appointments and arranging medication you might need.”
The study also found that ahead of them moving out, 63% of parents teach their kids how to manage their finances.
A whopping 59% give their youngsters tips on how to cook healthy meals.
More than half of parents actually teach their child how to use a washing machine before they move them into their new dorm.
One in ten parents think their youngster would head home to be looked after if they felt poorly.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed girls are more likely to take care of their physical and mental health than boys.
“Our health is so important, and it can be worrying for parents that their child may be unwell when they aren’t there to help,” added Dr Naveen.
“Making sure they have the knowledge about what to do in different health situations is a great way of not only ensuring they can look after themselves, but also allows you to relax a little knowing they have the tools they need.”
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