Tips For Parents Whose Kids Are Leaving For College
What to do when kids are trading in the family home for the freshmen dorm.
5. DO let them know you love them but that you are doing fine. “They want to rely on and not worry about you,” says Friedman.
6. DO keep generational boundaries. Do not share marital woes, et al., any more than you would when they lived at home.
7. DO some proactive planning. Make sure you are busy, especially for the first few weeks they’re gone.
8. DO engage in activity—do not wallow in melancholy or let inertia take over. Take up an old interest or try something new.
9. DO make some fun plans with your spouse (or close loved one), alone or with friends.
10. DO reconnect with your own friends.
11. DO resurrect your career if stuck on the parenting track. Or, volunteer.
“And remember,” says Friedman, “before you know it, they’ll be back.” Most kids want to be home for the holidays. Some may even surprise you and make the trip for no reason other than that…they miss you.
