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The
time has come when our college-aged loved ones will soon be returning
home to nest for the holidays. Or, should
I say, rest. I suspect many of our students have some catching up to
do with their sleep after all those late hours of studying. Maybe some
of us have been empty nesters these past four months, and maybe for
others, it’s been more peaceful with just younger family members.
But one thing we know for sure is that change is upon us!
We know our kids
have changed and, probably, we have changed as well. It’s time
to remind ourselves of the need to respect their changing attitudes
and perspectives, and realize we want their respect for our
space as well. We should also remind ourselves of the need to become
less controlling and allow our teenagers to grow as adults.
I suspect we have all slept better this semester with fewer late-night activities in the house. And yet, we all know that some of that late-night activity will return during the winter break, which creates the probable need to establish some house guidelines at the onset. It never hurts to remind our students that we have jobs to go to the next morning, so that we can pay those tuition bills!
In addition to getting important beauty rest by sleeping until noon, it’s likely your student will also want to rekindle all those hometown relationships they have been building for years and years–high school classmates, neighborhood friends, etc. It’s natural that they are anxious to visit with others outside the house who they might not have seen for several months.
On the other hand, as parents, we would like some family time as well. It can help to sit down with each other at the onset of the semester break to discuss ways to spend time together as a family. Pull out the calendar and set some dates and activities to get reacquainted. Your mention of a local favorite restaurant might be just the ticket to begin an enjoyable holiday season. You may not be accustomed to getting a family dinner on your child’s social calendar, but you’ll be glad you did.
These holiday periods are great to reminisce about the old days and also to talk about their future interests with further study programs and possible careers. Our kids are our lives and time is precious, so take the time and opportunity to get reacquainted and reestablish those family relationships. And remember, it’s our kids who will be making medical and financial decisions for us in the future–they will be choosing our nursing homes! Be kind to them and the rewards will come for many years. Enjoy!
