Should You Track Your College Kid?

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Lately, I’ve seen a lot of parents asking whether they should be tracking their college student’s whereabouts with tracking apps such as Life360 or iPhone location. It got me thinking about how we, as parents, balance our need to protect our kids with their need for independence. So, I decided to dive into the great tracking app debate—because let’s be honest, while safety is important, do we really want to know everything they’re up to?

Why You Might Consider a Tracking App for Safety

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’ve just dropped your precious baby off at college, and now you’re sitting there wondering, “Should I use a tracking app to keep tabs on them?” I mean, it sounds like a great idea, right? For safety! In case of emergencies! But let’s pause for a moment and really think this through. Do you really want to know your child’s every move? Hmmm. Yeah. No.

The Double-Edged Sword of Tracking: Do You Really Want to Know?

Sure, tracking apps can be fantastic if, heaven forbid, there’s an emergency. But let’s be real here—do you really want to know that your kid is at Denim and Diamonds (ok, that was my hangout during college) on a Sunday night? Or that they’ve been to the campus dining hall three times in one day (trust me, the freshman 15 is real, y’all)? And let’s not forget—tracking works both ways. Yes, they can see where you are too. Do you really want them to know you’re at Target…again?

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Letting Go: Giving Your Child the Independence They Need

Here’s the deal: Your child is now a young adult. They’re entering a new phase of life, filled with independence and, yes, a few questionable decisions along the way. Let them live a little. They’re going to be college students, and no app is going to stop them from making those “totally reasonable at the time” choices. Remember, we’ve all been there. Would you have wanted your mom to know where you were 24/7 when you were in college? Exactly.

Use Tracking Apps Sparingly: Safety vs. Smothering

Now, I’m not saying tracking apps are all bad. Using them from time to time for safety purposes? Absolutely. But checking your child’s location every day, all day…hmmm, NO. Let them be adults. They need to navigate this new chapter on their own terms without feeling like you’re hovering over their every move. Trust me, they’ll appreciate the space, and so will you.

The Best Approach: Open Communication Over Constant Surveillance

So, what’s the best approach? Keep the lines of communication wide open. Talk to them, trust them, and know that while they may not always make the choices you would, they’re finding their way. And honestly, some things are just better left unknown. So unless you’re really ready to discover that your kid is out dropping it like it’s hot at a party instead of studying for that big exam—maybe skip the tracking app. Just saying.

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