How to Survive Your Kids Going Off To College! – Hank
I just brought my daughter Charlotte back to college at American University in Washington DC. It’s always difficult to send your child….your baby….away for extended periods of time. She’s a junior this year and I must say I’ve gotten better at seeing her off. She loves where she goes to school and is always happy to go back. As a parent, that’s a big relief and a good feeling.
BUT, two years ago, I was a WRECK. I cried for three weeks before she left. I cried as we left the house in our minivan, destined for DC. I cried after I dropped her off at her dorm. I cried saying goodbye at the front entrance of her dorm, as we pulled away for the drive back to Boston.
I was a little teary eyed leaving her at her off campus apartment last week, but it was much easier. She has her routine, enjoys it and that makes Pam and me happy. It’s a comfort. You don’t get used to having them gone and miss them all the time. It’s your child doing what THEY want that makes the transition a little easier.
Here are my tips if you’ve just sent your child off to college.
- Don’t call or text too much. Let them know you’re thinking about them, but don’t smother them. They want to feel confident in their ability to be on their own.
- Keep yourself busy. Idle time leads to wandering minds and sentimental thinking. I would go online and check all the Washington DC news websites and see all the major crime reported and how close it was to the school. Bad idea. It drove me crazy. My anxiety went through the roof. Don’t do it. Nothing you can do from 450 miles away.
- Send them a little care package after a few weeks, but don’t do it more than a few times per semester. They aren’t fifth graders. They’ll survive. They know you love them.
- Do go to parents’ weekend, if you can. You get to see your child, meet their new friends, explore the school and see how much they’ve grown in a short time. It will amaze you.
Great luck, parents!
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