October
We hope you enjoyed having them home for the short break at the end of September.
Some things that they might feel this month as we head into MIDTERMS and six + weeks until the Thanksgiving Break are:
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I'm homesick... still. I thought going home for break would help but it made me miss it more. |
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I am still finding my place here. |
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I didn't think my classes would take up so much time. |
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My long-distance relationship is starting to fade- there are some people here that I could be attracted to. |
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Mid-term exams and interim progress reports are close. What if I am failing? |
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Family Weekend is this month. I'm nervous about my parents coming and meeting my friends/roommate/RA.... |
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Some tips for you from the experts:
Listen to what they are really saying. Are they just blowing off steam about their roommate or is there a very critical issue here they need to deal with promptly? Try to be a sounding board as this keeps the lines of communication open for the good stuff and the bad stuff.
Encourage your child to use the support available on campus. We have academic support, career guidance, social support, counseling, and if they are physically ill- a Health Center.
Mid-terms can be a source of stress for many freshmen. Encourage your student to talk to their professors if they have questions. There are many positive ways to burn off stress- exercise, the comedy shows, attending a soccer/field hockey game. Your student receives an email every Monday that lists most of the campus events. If stress is impacting their ability to focus on their academics, they can make use of our Counseling Center.
Family Weekend can create a whole other set of issues for students. They want to reconnect with you but still are very attached to the new set of friends they have made her. If you are able to attend, you may notice that your student is now playing tour guide and showing YOU around campus. Take a look at the schedule of events. Take advantage of the events that are being offered, like the Freshman Parent Reception at 2pm on Saturday 10-15 in Golding Hall but listen to their interests. Take some cues from them- the Soccer Game at 1pm may be of more interest.
In this age of instant communication via cell/text/im/Facebook, take a minute and send them some "old-fashioned" mail. A card or a note equals gratification when students look into their mailboxes. If if has cash, candy, or cookies in it, so much the better. (This piece of advice was from the Orientation Leaders)
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