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Parents' influence in their children's lives does not diminish at college drop off–in fact, it may increase, writes Political Science Prof. Chris Alexander in a piece for The Washington Post.

"Many new college parents struggle with this dilemma: What am I supposed to be to my child now, and how am I supposed to be it?" he writes.

The distance college puts between parents and their children actually serves parents well in their new roles, Alexander says, because parents can maintain a perspective that so often gets lost in the fray of deadlines, grades, and social situations.

"And bestowing your perspective from a distance might be the best strategy," he writes. "Because perspective requires distance. You can't help your young person see the big picture if you become a character in it."

Chris Alexander is a professor of political science, associate dean for international programs and McGee Director of the Dean Rusk International Studies Program.