The morning is a reminder that your freshman has to do college all over again. Although this fact is a reality of adulthood, school days may seem long and unbearable to your college freshman.

How can you make a difference? On occasion, send your freshman a morning text that lifts her spirits before she begins the day.

Below are 5 short texts that can make your freshman’s day!

I love you.

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a text that says, “I love you.” You may expect your freshman to roll her eyes or ignore the text, but these words probably mean much more to your college freshman than you may think.

If you rarely say “I love you,” this phrase likely means a great deal to your freshman. If you often say “I love you,” this phrase likely still means a great deal.

Your words are powerful and meaningful to your freshman, so don’t forget to say these three important words.

I’m thinking about you.

Home feels so far from your freshman’s college campus, and she may often feel like she’s forgotten. Remind her that you think of her often and care for her much.

Knowing that someone (and not just anyone) took the time to stop and think about the struggles your freshman is facing means a great deal to her. Hearing someone is thinking about her also communicates your deep care for your freshman.

Even though your life is busy and chaotic, you still think about her all of the time. Let her know this. 

Expect something in the mail soon.

What could be more exciting than knowing you’re getting a letter or a package? Your freshman actually might appreciate these thoughtful gestures more than you did at her age. Why? Receiving anything personalized in the mail is pretty rare nowadays.

The ability to send a quick text message practically instantaneously often makes the lazy route the only one we use. When you take the time and effort to plan, prepare, package, and mail anything, you are demonstrating you care for your freshman.

Your freshman loves these reminders of home, of you, of your love, etc. Don’t underestimate the power of a letter or a small package to change her outlook this semester.

Thank you for working so diligently on your schoolwork.

Compliments can be tricky. On the one hand, compliments can make a positive difference in your freshman’s life. On the other hand, compliments can cause doubt, add pressure, and come across as passive aggressive.

What makes the difference between a helpful compliment and a harmful compliment? A few key factors influence how well your freshman receives your compliment.

• As a general rule, compliments that focus on external factors that your freshman has little to no control over are harmful. Additionally compliments that are vague and seem forced also do more harm than help.

• As a general rule, compliments that focus on internal qualities (i.e. character) are helpful. Complimenting your freshman’s character qualities help your freshman place her focus on the right place too.

I’m so glad you’re my daughter.

Did your freshman have any control over whether or not she was your daughter? No. But does she still need to hear that you are thankful for her? Yes.

Expressing gratitude to your freshman does more than encourage her. It also helps her be grateful too. Gratitude is infectious, so spread it to your freshman who may be feeling anything but grateful at the moment.

College days can seem long and never-ending to your freshman. Help encourage her with these 5 simple phrases that remind her of your love and care!