Fun Friday – Your College Student is Home: Five Signs They’re Struggling to Readjust

Photo Credit: University of Southern California

Campus life ended abruptly for college students. Living on their own, coming and going as they pleased, all came to an end. Hanging out with friends was replaced with social distancing. The normalcy they knew, crumpled. The pandemic hit – the Coronavirus, COVID-19, Rona.

My two sons are among the college students struggling to readjust to life back home, unexpectantly, not by choice. They are handling this new experience in unique ways. Just for kicks and giggles, let's look at 5 signs that my son is struggling to re-adjust.

1.      Sleeping in – “Please don’t wake me before noon.” When I gave a response he said, “Most of my friends are not getting up before 2pm.”

2.      Chores – I shouldn’t have to unload the dishwasher; I don’t really live here.

3.      Laundry – I don’t want my clothes washed with the general population.

4.      Disinfecting – Why is MY Lysol being used all the time.

5.      Classwork – This is too much work for only a few points. There’s a reason I didn’t sign up for online classes.

Is your college student struggling with finding a new normal? They’re in the home stretch with the end of the school semester within reach. Keep them encouraged by creating new family memories together. Here are a few tips for keeping your student encouraged.

1.      Work Together – when your student sits down to complete classwork, make this a time that you work on a project as well.

2.      Set a schedule – schedule times for classwork, breaks, and playtime.

3.      Celebrate the small things - you don’t have to wait for a large accomplishment in order to celebrate. My son had to write a two-page (short) paper on a current event on the topic of diversity. He looked exasperated trying to come up with a topic. You would have thought he was asked to write a dissertation. We chatted a few minutes and he came up with a topic. He wrote a paragraph, then needed a break. In his case, small increments or work time are best. We celebrated with a dance break and a short competition on his video game system.

What are you doing to help your college student remain focused during this national pandemic?

Muffins with Mom – College Move in Day – Preparing to say goodbye

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something Blue. This is the traditional list of items suggested for a bride to be to have on her wedding day. My teen son seems to have taken on this advice while packing for college.

I looked in my son’s room to see how he was coming along with packing for school. Lying on top of a pile of bags, folded neatly, was something old, borrowed and blue. He had my favorite, queen-sized, snuggle on the couch, fleece blanket. I grabbed the blanket, rushed from his room, and hid it in my closet.

My son eventually discovered the missing blanket and inquired about its whereabouts. I eventually relinquished my rights to the soft, warm family blanket and let him add it to his school bound items. It was time to bid farewell to my son and know that he would be okay.

Preparing for my son to leave for college did not happen over-night. I began to wrap my mind around it during his senior year of high school. Thus began the journey. As you prepare to say goodbye to your college bound child here are a few things to keep in mind.

1.      Let him know your expectations

2.      Let her know that you are proud of her

3.      Remind him that you are only a phone call away

4.      Make a financial plan-establish a budget and decide who will pay for what. Some parents may pay for books and supplies, but expect their student to pay for snacks and other incidentals.

5.      Take comfort in knowing that part of you is going with your child – you have provided a foundation over the years that will travel with her.

It was early Sunday morning when I kissed my son on the cheek and wished his safe travels. He was driving himself on the several hour trip to school. His car was packed with something old, something new, something borrowed and something Blue. He was ready for his new living space at college.

What advice do you have for preparing to say goodbye to a college bound child?