`Extreme hair loss" lotion and "Covers-all-grey" must fly off the shelves at this time of year as parents tread a fine line between placating and hyperventilating as the pressure mounts and results loom large. Admit defeat and accept the fact that at this stage, as at so many times in the past, you are wrong! When you utter the encouraging words, "I'm sure you've done much better than you think", prepare for the inevitable, "Of course I haven't! I've failed them all! You don't understand!"

If there is any justice in this cruel world the fates will smile and decree that your moodswinging, hyper-tense offspring has actually managed to gain enough points to secure a place in college. Thus, you can pack them off and attempt to rebuild your shattered nervous system in peace.

In actual fact the fates enjoy a good leg-pull as much as the next person, so you will soon discover that the fleeing of coop performed by aforementioned child will not bring harmony and happiness, but rather you will be left suffering the so-called Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) and the terror of letting your child out alone into the big bad world. Even if your child is still going to be living at home he or she will be entering an adult world and spending less time involved in family life.

So how are you going to survive without them? The weeks and months before college starts are really important and can offer you the opportunity to help make the big leap as positive an experience as possible for all of you. Responsibilities that young adults will probably have to handle for the first time include looking after their own accommodation, health, finances and getting themselves out of bed in morning (the latter seems one of the greatest challenges).

"Sorting out the right accommodation for your child is so important. Go together and explore the areas which are safe, affordable and accessible by bus or bike," says John Quane, guidance counsellor at St Kieran's College, Kilkenny. You will probably have applied for campus accommodation, if available, and this is an ideal way to meet lots of friends who are in the same position as yourself. If you miss out on the draw for campus rooms you can look for digs or a flat-share.

Aenid O'Driscoll, guidance counsellor at St Raphael's College, Loughrea, Co Galway, feels that digs are a good option for the first term or so untill students find their feet. "At least you know they will have one good meal each day," she says. "It also gives them time to get to know people that they might want to share a house or flat with in the next term." Check out college accommodation offices and noticeboards for advice and information about student housing.

John Quane also thinks it is a good idea to give your kids a trial run at coping with managing money and preparing food. "Insist your child goes with you when you do a weekly shop. Explain which foods are a good buy and what quantities and prices are reasonable." Having your child cook a few meals for the family is a good idea.

One of the most valuable things that college offers students is a chance to improve social skills and build up their confidence and self esteem. Aenid O'Driscoll adds: "Read through any literature that you receive from the college or look them up on the Internet."

John Quane thinks it is a good idea to have a look at expenditure each term so you can see roughly what is being spent and on what. "It is good for children to realise the financial sacrifices you have to make to send them to college. It will probably help them to take their study more seriously. You don't want all the book budget spent on beer."

Both John Quane and Aenid O'Driscoll advise that being in contact at least once a week is a good idea. Buy a phone card or mobile for your child which will also help give you peace of mind about their safety. Set up an e-mail account and you can send messages as a way of keeping in contact which is less intrusive.

You might also buy them a loud alarm clock, give them a big hug and set them on their merry way.