FutureU

Sorority recruitment has changed A LOT over the years. However, one thing that remains the same is that in order to be successful during rush, you have to be able to COMMUNICATE.

Face-to-face conversations and personal connections are the heart and soul of rush season. Convenience does not help build conversation. The outfits are cute, but the communication skills are what will set her apart 🦋

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One way I like to support introverted kids is by helping them develop a few simple “scripts.” Not because we want them to sound rehearsed or fake, but because having the words ready makes it easier to speak up when it matters.

A script might be:
📢“I’m confused. Can you explain that again?”
📢“I need a little more time to think. Can you check back in a few minutes?”
📢“I’m not comfortable with that, so can we do something else?”
📢“I have a question, but I’m not sure how to ask it.”
📢“I’m really excited about this. Can I tell you about it?”

For some kids, communication does not come out quickly, easily, or loudly…but that does not mean they don’t have something to say.

Quiet or introverted does not equal a bad communicator. Sometimes, these kids just need the words before the moment arrives.

Share this with a parent who needs to hear this 👉

Parents: How do we feel about bad body language from coaches at games? Let me know your thoughts🤔

Anxiety? Loss for words? Too much screen time & not enough face-to-face interaction?

All the time in my office, I see both teens and parents who don’t know how to communicate what they’re feeling. And it’s tough.

Communication is a SKILL that needs practice. It means being in touch with yourself and what you’re feeling, and being able to find the words to express it. It’s a skill that is absolutely necessary in life; one that we at FutureU try to help build with our clients day in and day out.

So what do you guys think? Why are people so nervous to communicate? Comment your theories below!

4 things to teach your soon-to-be college freshmen this summer (before they leave for college):

1. ADULT COMMUNICATION. College professors immediately expect communication skills. Easy ideas:

• Have them call and schedule their own appointments
• Put them in charge of conversations with financial aid, housing, coaches, advisors, etc.
• Make them order their own food, ask questions in stores, and talk to adults directly
• Don’t speak for them in every uncomfortable situation

2. INDEPENDENCE. College exposes gaps in life skills FAST. How can they practice independence?:

• Have them manage their own deadlines and any paperwork (think medical, financial aid, etc.)
• Let them wake themselves up without you coming in every morning
• Make them do their own laundry EVERY TIME
• Teach them how to refill prescriptions, manage a budget, and grocery shop on their own

3. ENCOURAGE PHONE BOUNDARIES. Don’t wait until their grades suck because of their phone use. Try having them:

• Workout, run errands, or eat meals without constantly checking their phone
• Watch a movie without scrolling the entire time
• Drive without checking notifications at stoplights
• Create somewhat realistic sleep schedules (yes, even during the summer)

4. HOW TO TALK ABOUT EMOTIONS. College brings big feelings. Don’t be afraid to talk about homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, asking for help, roommate conflicts, burnout, etc. What does this look like?

• Not treating every uncomfortable feeling or emotion like a crisis
• Asking questions instead of immediately rescuing
• Letting THEM lead problem-solving conversations
• Handling your OWN emotions in healthy ways
• Reminding them that transition periods are hard for most people, even the ones who look like everything is awesome on their social media pages

Allow me to reintroduce you to your best friend…the dishwasher! It missed you during the school year!🥲🧽🫧