NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – It’s a fact parents would probably rather ignore.

Most college students are going to spend more time figuring out the campus dating scene than cramming for their humanities class.

So why fight it? Harlan Cohen, advice columnist and the bestselling author of Getting Naked: Five Steps To Finding The Love Of Your Life, joined the Couch on Thursday. He wants to help you help your kids figure the whole ‘dating thing’ out.

More: When To Text, When To Have Sex & More Tips For Finding Mr. Right

First and foremost, he offers parents this tidbit:

“The biggest mistake is saying ‘just focus on your academics,” Cohen said. “When are you going to learn to handle rejection? And handle heartache and heartbreak?”

Bottom line: Respect yourself.

“Confidence comes with the ability to understand the greatest truth. It’s called the universal rejection truth of dating and relationships, which says that thousands will want you but millions will not. It’s this idea is that if I give you permission to not want me, when you don’t want me, i don’t have to hate you.”

For more, check out the full interview below.