Dear Babs, 

Our daughter is starting a BFA program at a small, prestigious art college this fall. What are some things we can do to support her during her first semester?

—Striving to Support in Seattle

Dear Striving,

When I was in college, my dad would mail me news clippings and short hand-written notes. No matter how cheesy the notes were or how much I didn’t care about the art he highlighted, I always loved getting his letters. Their physical presence symbolized his support for my artistic ambitions, and they meant much more than any email or text message. If communicating like this seems arcane, consider buying your daughter a subscription to an art magazine—of course, I recommend Artillery. Trust that she’ll remember just how much you are rooting for her every time she gets a printed issue in the mail.

Try to build or nurture shared artistic interests. Follow artists that she follows on social media. Ask about the most exciting art she’s seen since you last talked. Find out what she’s reading and check out some of the books from her syllabi. You might only make it through some of the dense art talk, but trying proves you’re invested. Plus, it’ll give you a better understanding of the artistic language she will eventually bring to your family’s next Thanksgiving dinner.

Despite all the TV and movie stereotypes, art school is not a wacky paint party; it’s a grueling experience involving serious work, sleepless nights, brutal critiques and constant self-doubt. Try to have an open mind when you see some of the art she will eventually create. What matters most is the art that comes from her efforts, how she learns from taking risks and why she is engaged and interested in building a creative practice. You have the opportunity to be an indispensable anchor in her tumultuous academic and artistic journey. Being a young artist is scary, and having real supportive parents can make all the difference in the world.