As a parent sending your child off to boarding school, it can be overwhelming to navigate this transition. Not only do you want your child to thrive in this new environment, but you also want to be the best support system you can be from a distance. But how exactly do you step into the role of a “boarding parent” in a way that fosters their independence while offering them the support they need?
In this episode of Destination Boarding, we sit down with Richard Stokes, an expert in boarding school life and the challenges both children and parents face in this unique environment. Richard is the CEO of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA).
ABSA, as the leading authority in Australia on boarding for school-aged children, promotes the interests and well-being of boarders, boarding staff, boarding parents and boarding institutions in Australia. It is an organisation that fosters collegiality and professionalism at a regional and federal level and across many parts of the world. ABSA continues to advance the profile of boarding and best practice in boarding and facilitates communication on boarding matters between schools, hostels, educational bodies and governments both in Australia and overseas.
Richard brings decades of boarding school experience to his role. In fact without him ABSA wouldn’t exist as it does today and serve to educate thousands of boarding staff each year.
Richard explains that while your child may be away from home, your role as a parent doesn’t end—it evolves. By listening, trusting, and staying involved in their life, you can help them navigate this new chapter. He also emphasises the balance between giving them independence and offering emotional support when needed.
Communication is key, and Richard encourages parents to stay connected with both their child and the school. This allows you to understand their well-being and offer guidance at the right time. Lastly, Richard highlights the importance of mental health and how parents can support their child’s emotional well-being while they’re away at school.
Tune in for expert advice on becoming a purposeful, supportive boarding parent, and learn how to help your child thrive at boarding school.
Thank you to Courtney Dunn for editing this podcast episode.
