Following our blog posting last week advising on ways to deal with ’skinny envelop’ rejection, we were pleased to see that CK at the 3genfamily blog has some pertinent observations on how parents can help a son or daughter rejected by a college.

Platitudes such as “don’t worry” will fall flat, instead try creative strategies:

Banish all blame from the conversation. If you hear your high schooler mutter, “If only I . . .” stop them from saying anything more. No amount of anguished blame will change the results. It may be trite saying, but it is true nonetheless - “when one door closes, another one opens.”

Help your student look for the door that’s opening. Talk about the positive features of the colleges that accepted your student. What is unique? Which has the most classes and activities that fit your teen’s goals and interests?

CK also advises the student learn about negotiating admission for another time in the year; look into wait-list options and, finally, think about starting at a college which has accepted you and then transferring later.

CK’s blog covers a wide range of ‘three generation family’ topics from dealing with aging parents to helping kids who are applying to college. Check it out.