Each new year brings resolutions and a host of pressures, expectations, and decisions. With January in full swing, parents of young men in high school and college often face unique challenges. At Causeway Collaborative, our mentors and family coaches frequently hear concerns like, It’s second semester and my kid is struggling. What do I do?
In this first Causeway Connection of 2025, Causeway’s founder and CEO, Vince Benevento, offers insights into how families can support their sons during this pivotal time. (Spoiler: His advice focuses on balance, connection, and intentionality…guiding parents through what can feel like an overwhelming season while creating a roadmap for the year ahead.)
High Schoolers: Balancing Structure and Support

For high school students, January can feel heavy and laden with competing demands for their time. “Activities have hit a fever pitch,” says Vince. “If children and young men aren’t connected to groups and activities of membership, it’s easy to see our sons getting passed by or being left alone.” And that can lead to feeling isolated.
Parents, Vince notes, play a critical role in recognizing and addressing these dynamics. Here are some key areas to watch:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): “Parents need to be observant and watch for signs of seasonal affective disorder,” Vince advises. SAD can manifest as low energy, mood changes, or withdrawal from activities your son once enjoyed.
- Substance Use and Escalation in Behavior: Vince emphasizes the importance of identifying whether our sons are engaging in substance use and if those habits are escalating. January can also be a time when young men turn to gaming or excessive tech use as a coping mechanism for anxiety or loneliness.
- Setting Effective Limits: “While it is a young man’s choice how he spends his time, it is our absolute responsibility as parents to institute boundaries and effective limits,” says Vince. Parents can support their sons by guiding them toward balance and encouraging them to tackle challenges, even when it’s uncomfortable.
College-Age Students: Deciding What Comes Next
Another important decision for many families at this time of year, says Vince, is whether their son should return to college.
Some young men may struggle with decreased motivation, academic difficulties, or feelings of isolation, which is why Vince underscores the importance of individualized decision-making.
“Broadly, the message to young men should be that they have time and room to make course corrections in their path,” he says. In some cases, stepping away from school may be the right choice if it can generate more motivation to move forward later.
Here are some key scenarios where families might consider this option:
- Mental Health Concerns: “From Causeway Collaborative’s perspective, we always mandate that families remove their sons from school if mental health is unstable or escalating in severity,” Vince says. Prioritizing mental health can lay the foundation for future success.
- Substance Use Issues: If substance use is a concern, taking time to recalibrate at home can be vital.
- Social Isolation: “If a young man is lonely and feels ostracized at school, it may be better for families to bring him home,” Vince suggests. Finding a job or taking community college classes can provide structure and a sense of purpose while he regains his footing.
Pro Tip: Causeway’s mentors can work with your college-age son on everything from refining a resume to applying to jobs to signing up for courses closer to home. Click here to learn about our services tailor-made to fulfill our clients’ individual needs.
A Causeway-Centered Approach
Balance is key to starting the new year strong, making January and February ideal for reflection and goal-setting. At Causeway, our mentors and family coaches are here to help your son set intentions for 2025, develop cornerstone habits, and identify areas for improvement.
But the process isn’t just for young men. Vince notes that parents, too, can benefit from setting their own intentions and modeling flexibility and boundary-setting in age-appropriate ways.
“Young men can be motivated by their parents’ willingness to try new things and respect their boundaries,” says Vince. Whether through setting limits, fostering connection, or exploring new opportunities, families can work together to ensure their sons start 2025 on a path to becoming the best version of themselves. And Causeway can help.
Reach out to our team for the support your family needs, and book your appointment here.