Study examines parents' role in college students' lives

Randall Jeppesen reportingSome new BYU research shows that parents still matter to college students. But parents shouldn't try to take over their kids' lives.

When a kid goes off to college it can be a struggle for the parents to find the balance of being there but not being overly intrusive.

"I think it's kind of a hard spot for parents. They don't really know how to parent at this age," said BYU Assistant Professor Laura Walker.

Walker says their research shows most college kids still want their parents to be involved, and when parents are involved that cuts down the risk of drugs, drinking, and risky sexual behavior.

"You just have to be careful and not be overbearing. Don't be calling them every day," she said.

Some researchers say college kids start to feel resentment and shut off the information line when parents push for too much information.

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