Your college student is coming home for their first real visit since heading off to college.  You’re excited — but also a bit nervous about what to expect.  You know that they have probably changed — increased independence and responsibility are goals of the college experience.  But you may not be sure how this increased independence will affect your relationship.  Your college student is probably nervous, too.  They can’t wait to come home to show off their new found independence, but they’re not sure how they will fit in with the family now.

The first step in a successful visit with your student may be simply anticipating that things will be different, and possibly awkward.  You will need to get to know some new aspects of your student.  You may need to negotiate some ways of behaving and some expectations.  As has so often been the case throughout this process, brushing up on your listening skills and your patience will go a long way.  Here are a few suggestions that may help to ease the experience for everyone.

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As college parents we worry about our student’s transition when they head off to college.  We know that it will be a big adjustment and that our student will be facing challenges and undergoing changes.  Sometimes, however, we forget that there will also be a big adjustment and some challenges when our college student returns home again for their first real vacation.  Whether it is Thanksgiving break or winter break, the first longer visit home will be a time of readjustment and reacquaintance for everyone.

It will help to consider some of the things you might expect during this first visit.  In our next article, we’ll consider some specific things that you might do to help that first visit go more smoothly.

Your student is probably anxious to come home and settle in, but they may also be worried about what things will be like when they get home.  You are excited about having your student home, but you may also be nervous about what to anticipate.  Parents who expect that everything will return to the way things were before your student left for college may be caught off guard and may have difficulty adjusting.  Here are a few things to consider before your student comes home for their first visit.

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