The college search and admission process is a life-changing event for your child, and often the whole family. It signals the beginning of a child's transition from teenager to young adult. As a result, it can be difficult for parents to strike the right balance of being helpful without being pushy. Here are some dos and don'ts for parents to guide you through the world of college selection and admission.

Do Learn About the Process Even if you have vivid memories of your own college decisions, realize that the college admission process has changed since you attended.

Do Discuss Restrictions Up Front If there are financial or geographic restrictions that limit the range of colleges your child can consider, discuss them with your child at the beginning of the college search to avoid sudden disappointments.

Don't Limit Choices Based on Fees Financial aid often helps families send their children to even the most expensive colleges. No matter your income level, find out all you can about financial aid.

Do Remind Your Child of Deadlines Teenagers are often very busy and have weak time management skills, so do help your child keep track of important college application deadlines. But remember, the goal is for your child to "own" the process, so be ready to step back and let him make the college decision that is right for him.

Do Listen and Offer Advice For many students, this is their first adult decision — and it can be difficult. Be ready to listen and console without taking control of the situation or dismissing your child's feelings or concerns.

Do Be Your Child's Cheerleader The college admission process can be stressful. Your child may feel uncertain about the decisions he must make, fearful of rejection from colleges, or anxious about meeting deadlines for both college applications and his schoolwork. Over the course of the search process, your child may change his mind (more than once) about his career aspirations, academic goals, or what he wants in a college. All of this is normal. Parents can help their college-bound child by offering plenty of encouragement, a listening ear and gentle guidance. And, don't forget to celebrate each step along your child's journey from high school to college.