UCF Psychologist Kimberly Renk said most students surpass their parents' expectations, yet still believe they are falling short.
Renk performed a study on parental expectations, which included 69 male and 105 female freshman and sophomore students. Also, 138 of their mothers and 92 of their fathers were questioned. They were asked about personal maturity, grades and dating.
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"Many people still assume parenting ends when a child turns 18," Renk said in a UCF News and Information article. "But in our culture today, there is a longer extension of adolescence. Adulthood is starting later." Renk said parents are more influential due to the increase in technology. Cell phones and iChat make it easier for students to feel a closeness with their parents even when they are thousands of miles away. This causes students to continue to rely on their parents, even while living alone.
Renk believes that by educating college students and their parents on communications skills, students will feel less pressured and more confident.