Page 31 - UMKC Parent and Family Insider

Before it becomes an issue, discuss house rules with your returning student. (See Scott’s tips on the next page.) I have no actual psychic ability (although I prefer my children to believe otherwise), but
I guarantee when the topic of curfew/ choice of nighttime activity is broached, your student will say, “You don’t know what I am doing at school/when I go out/ when I come in.”
At this point you must explain that, while you understand they have autonomy
at college, when they’re home you are listening for them and worrying. You can also remind them that you, your spouse and their younger siblings don’t maintain college student schedules and may have to wake up for work or school the next day. When my older boys came home the irst few times, there were adjustments
to be made on both our parts. My older one especially thought four a.m. was a perfectly reasonable bedtime and wasn’t quiet while making his middle of the night meal. It took a while for my boys to understand that they needed to be more respectful when they were home.
The good news is that you will settle into a routine and ind a rhythm that works. You may even get some of that family time
you were hoping for. Before you know it, your student will head back to campus and, despite the challenges, it will have been a wonderful visit. Congratulate yourself on surviving the toughest reentry you are likely to face; while there still may be some things to iron out, subsequent homecomings will be easier. You’ll be delighted to discover that each time they return, your college student is a little more mature and a little closer to becoming the fantastic adult you know they will be.
The good news is that you will settle into a routine and ind a rhythm that works. You may even get some of that family time you were hoping for.
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