For those parents of Juniors and Seniors in High School – this could be your student’s future!

Last week LakeGirl gave her perspective and tips on homesickness. This week I’m going to give parents some tips to help your new student bridge the gap between college and home and overcome homesickness.

Write letters: When my kids go to summer camp, we are encouraged to write letters, but they tell us not to say in the letters – “We miss you, etc.” I would say this is a really good idea to continue with your college student. Here’s your chance to put into words how proud you are of your student. These could be the letters they keep for a lifetime.

Cards: Send funny general cards – a “Just Because” or “Thinking of You” card. It gives them a boost to go to the mailbox and find mail! They might share the “love” with their friends.

Care Package: I’ve heard that some colleges offer care packages that you can purchase and they will send the packages for you. This can be a good idea if you’re really busy and tend to let things sneak up on you! But it’s easy to make it personal. Let the younger siblings send a package of favorite things to their big brother/sister. Here are some ideas of things to put into a care package:

• Peanut Butter – protein and good comfort food! (Check to make sure the roommate doesn’t have a peanut allergy.)
• Favorite Cookies
• Play Doh
• Bubbles
• CD mix of songs that make you think of your child
• Gift cards (grocery stores, restuarants, Target, etc.)
• Sidewalk chalk

Include something in the box that your student can share with their roommate.

What other ideas do you have for helping your child overcome homesickness?

Dear Student: It’s time to take hold of your independence! You’ve been asking for it for the last 4 years! (Remember Mom & Dad – it’s ok to let go! Read this as a reminder!)

I like to think of college life as “real life with training wheels”. As parents we get to let them  experience a little independence with a soft place to fall. As a college student, you get to take your first step into adulthood. Independence for some parents  it’s easy to let go of the “reins” (our house) and watch the student break free within the security of the “corral” (college). For some parents it’s extremely hard to let go of everything – even the “corral” isn’t enough security for them. As parents and students you need to find a happy medium that satisfies everyone.

I remember sitting at the parent orientation for my daughter’s first year of college and listening to the security officer and many other staff members reassure the parents about the safety of their children. They also told us we would not be contacted by the school about health or grade issues. We also could not contact the school about those same issues. The only thing we were allowed to call the school about was financial information. I think this shocked many of the parents. They felt that since they were paying for college they should be able to talk to teachers, staff about their students. One staff member reminded us that our children were 18 and technically considered adults – they might be our babies, but they were also adults and should be treated as such. That was the best piece of advice I have ever heard. I have tried to pass that message on to friends who have children in college. We (everyone) actually learn more when we fail at something. It is what helps make our students into the responsible, happy and independent adults they were meant to be.