Having a very hard time with DS going off to college

[RejoyceoverDisney]

Hang in there. I just think everyone has a different way of handling things. This is his way. Give him time and I am sure he will come around.

I absolutely think technology plays a role in this. I had wonderful parents, but the way life was "back in the day" made it impossible to keep in touch daily. My parents were pretty cheap so they weren't about to pay long distance charges to talk to me more than once every few weeks.

It is just so much easier today. We've raised a generation of kids who can easily send a text when they are going to be late, need a ride, forgot something, or have a question. As parents, we are very used to that instant means of communication so we expect that to continue when they leave, but they might have other plans.

I know some feel that this instant communication with our children is a detriment to society, but this is the the way the world has evolved. Technology isn't going away. I read an article some time ago about a family in Thailand. They lived in the middle of nowhere and the parents farmed their land daily. The father complained that his two daughters didn't have any interest in working the land and all they did was text and Facebook! The dad said when he texts them that it is time to come home, they don't reply for an hour and claim they didn't have their phone with them. He said he never sees them without their phone, but they conveniently don't have it with them when mom or dad text them. It seems to be a universal issue!

My 84 y/o mother, who is out of the loop with technology, called me when we were at the movies the other day. I called her after the movie was done and she says, "Sheesh! What's the point of a cell phone if you don't answer when I call?" Even she has gotten to a point where she expects an instant response!

great examples!!! Love your 84 year old Mom story.
I have people like that in my life. Too funny I have an adult family member that have the ringer on their phone off and answering machine turned down (I swear this is what they do) so that they answer back calls when they want to and sometimes don't bother.

I've learned to be instant with answer my phone. However must admit lately I've been not as quick about it. I guess people not answering theirs has me changing too.

This is part of why when I hear people complaining that they don't know if they will have Magic Bands on their disney trip I laugh. I'm assuming it's because they want the FP+ so they don't have as far to walk to get their FP and it will save time to get more done. For me I'll have to figure everything out so I'm not in a rush for new technology. Took me a long time to switch to a smart phone. So now I have email on the phone which makes it worse as I"m constantly looking at my phone. ugh

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

Something to think about.....

I was just reading through posts to make sure I didn't forget to read someone's post. And I reread about someone saying their son doesn't do social media. That set off bells in my head.

My son doesn't do social media. He does skype but it's very specific to the game they are playing on the internet or other planned games.
He still is in touch with the gang of boys he hung with in high school, but he has no idea what colleges they are attending. He doesn't know if they worked summer jobs. Some on another group he doesn't even know their real names or where they are from, how old, nothing!!!

When I questioned him he said "Mom we don't need that information and don't talk about that with each other. I only know where Dan goes because all through high school he said he wanted to go there and he still reminds us how much he loves his college."

So I honestly think this very much could be today's generation. You don't have to address letters to communicate with a friend. As someone said you didn't talk to you friends from home because long distance was too expensive.
At this point in life, technology really only has us needing to know the information in the minute.

I'm a very big observer of people. I like to know what they thing and why they think that way. My husband gets irritated and says he feels like I'm telling him he is doing it wrong. I try to explain not only do I like to know why he makes his decision, but also look for someone to care why I make mine.

Just something for me to ponder today. It just helps me be ok with the fact my son loves me but what he needs to know for information isn't the same as what interests me. I could care less about how to play those video games!

Off to peel apples at church! Festival this weekend. Making apple crisp!!

Have a magical day!

 

[HERSEY]

RejoyceoverDisney I remember a conversation I had with my son. I asked where is friends were going to college, he gave me a blank look and said I don't know. A little while later I asked again same answer. I asked what do you guys talk about he reply "you know stuff'. I think it must be a boy thing. I hear from friends with daughters and they get all kinds of info. Parents with boys just get 'stuff'

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

RejoyceoverDisney I remember a conversation I had with my son. I asked where is friends were going to college, he gave me a blank look and said I don't know. A little while later I asked again same answer. I asked what do you guys talk about he reply "you know stuff'. I think it must be a boy thing. I hear from friends with daughters and they get all kinds of info. Parents with boys just get 'stuff'

Yup so much different! And us being women we don't comprehend this.
How do you have a relationship without info?

Reflecting back, why my husband married me I don't know. He would say I drove him crazy with all my info gathering when we were dating. And then because he wouldn't tell me his stuff, I dumped mine on him. hmmmmmm guess I should have paid more attention to that.
Now I have to say there are guys out there that like info. But then again they go into the fields of psychology and such and not engineering.

 

[LisaR]

RejoyceoverDisney I remember a conversation I had with my son. I asked where is friends were going to college, he gave me a blank look and said I don't know. A little while later I asked again same answer. I asked what do you guys talk about he reply "you know stuff'. I think it must be a boy thing. I hear from friends with daughters and they get all kinds of info. Parents with boys just get 'stuff'

Definitely a male thing in most cases.

DS (16) does drama. One of the girls left for college last month. I asked DS where she was going and he told me. I was impressed that he knew. As the conversation continued, it turned out DS didn't actually know if that was really the college she was going to; he just assumed it was because she was wearing a shirt with the college name on it! This is someone he was good friends with. You would think he would ask, but I guess it wasn't important or relevant in his world. On the other hand, my DD knows where all of her friends applied, what tours they went on, and where they ended up going.

 

[Katy Belle]

Wow! This thread was active this weekend. I wasn't on here at all because I was busy PLANNING A DISNEY VACATION! I'm so excited I can barely stand it, and its a great distraction! We are going to WDW for Spring Break. We are super lucky that DSs college Spring Break is the same week as his brothers! DH is so funny....on our vacation last summer he wanted to do it big, because it would be our last BIG vacation as a family of 5. Now for this WDW vacation he said, "We can stay in a nicer hotel if you want to, since this will be our last Disney Vacation as a family of 5." DH is very thrifty and I love when he says stuff like that!!! So am I, so we will be at Pop Century, but it will still be fantastic!

1. What college - Oklahoma State University.

2. What major - Computer Science

3. something funny they said or did when they were young - How about a Disney story?? DS18 has always been leery of costumed characters. When he was barely 2, and already very verbal, I took him to the mall to see Arthur, from PBS and the books. We got there, he backed up, pulled on my hand and said, "Momma, that is not Arthur, that is someone in a costume." So, on our Disney trips he never was really into visiting with the characters, but we forced him a little, since his brothers liked them. We went so see Mike Wazowski, he was probably 10. It was obvious that DS was not interested, and was just trying to stand at the edge of the group for the photo. Mike Wazowski figured this out and took off after him! He pinned him up against the wall until DS hugged him! He was blushing and soooo embarrassed but it was so funny!

4. accomplishments or things you are proud of - Oh gosh, what to say? Smart guy that doesn't push himself. Super memory. Gamer in a big way, built his own gaming computer, hates laptops! He's 6'4 and 250 lbs, full beard ... and has been given "the teddy bear" award from so many school groups. He is LOVED by his friends. So accepting of others. Accomplished Tuba player. A true "nice guy." We've moved around a lot and he's weathered the storm of that well!

I KNOW I shouldn't, but every night before bed I've texted him goodnight and I love you. I know it can't go on forever, but I just can't help myself. Anyway...Saturday night at 11:15 I got a text from him! Good night mom, I love you. I KNOW he wasn't going to bed already, but he hadn't heard from me yet and was surprised, and maybe missed me.... !!! So I texted back that I had no idea what time it was! And good night I love you too. He sent back a smiley. Made me happy. He must not hate the bedtime text, or he would have let it go!

Hang in there Moms...here we go on another week!

 

[HERSEY]

My son frustrates me!!! I told him with his degree he will have to talk and gather information, what a concept. Both my Dad and Grandfather were engineers and both loved to talk. I guess my son inherited the brains just not the talking gene

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

Definitely a male thing in most cases.

DS (16) does drama. One of the girls left for college last month. I asked DS where she was going and he told me. I was impressed that he knew. As the conversation continued, it turned out DS didn't actually know if that was really the college she was going to; he just assumed it was because she was wearing a shirt with the college name on it! This is someone he was good friends with. You would think he would ask, but I guess it wasn't important or relevant in his world. On the other hand, my DD knows where all of her friends applied, what tours they went on, and where they ended up going.

My son was in drama club too. But honestly being a back stage costume Mom, there was definitely different personalities going on. The more needy want as many friends as possible kiddos seemed to know where others were going to college. And it feels weird saying this but the more ok within themself kiddos were not interested in knowing where others were going.

It truly is a personality thing. And this reflected on how well they also followed instructions as to what to do and where to put their costumes. And the asking for help it making sure things fit right.

So ya it's a different world.

OH and you know, I bet the ones that were bigger into social network like facebook and texting, are the ones that know some of the basics like "will any of my friends be going to my college". LOL

Different world. and on that note I have to get off this computer.....yikes!

 

[mom2rtk]

Well, today my son is the one fighting illness away from home. His throat was hurting a bit over the weekend and today it's gone from bad to worse. He called and we dug out the campus map, only to find out Student Health is clear across campus. He took ibuprofen but it wasn't helping so I told him he probably needs a strep test. I told him to take a taxi, but he needs to go out across campus anyway to turn in a history paper. I told him to take money so he can taxi back if needed. If they prescribe anything they can dispense it there and charge his account, but if he needs more OTC stuff than I send with him, he'll have to find a way to get somewhere. And it's going to be in the mid-90's there today. Sigh. I hate this.

 

[LisaR]

Well, today my son is the one fighting illness away from home. His throat was hurting a bit over the weekend and today it's gone from bad to worse. He called and we dug out the campus map, only to find out Student Health is clear across campus. He took ibuprofen but it wasn't helping so I told him he probably needs a strep test. I told him to take a taxi, but he needs to go out across campus anyway to turn in a history paper. I told him to take money so he can taxi back if needed. If they prescribe anything they can dispense it there and charge his account, but if he needs more OTC stuff than I send with him, he'll have to find a way to get somewhere. And it's going to be in the mid-90's there today. Sigh. I hate this.

It sounds like you guys have a good plan in place. Hopefully he feels better quickly. I know they are all going to get sick while they are away, but this is when we really want to be there for them. It is times like this when you wish they would have picked the school that was only an hour away! Hang in there and try not to worry too much. I know, easier said than done.

 

[luvavacation]

Mom2rtk, I hope your son feels better soon. I know it might sound weird, but my daughter had been complaining that her throat was hurting in the mornings, and I mentioned that the room might be too dry. I offered to send a humidifier, just a small one mind you, but no, that is not acceptable! Instead, she put out a bowl of water on the shelf right next to her head, and she says she feels better. Anything to avoid the dreaded embarrassment of mom sending a humidifier! So maybe the air is dry?

Last night, I had to remind myself that my daughter is in college, and I bit my tongue and said nothing. You see, my DD texted me at about 10 last night, saying she was sorry she hadn't called (she likes to call home every night), but she had been playing poker with a cute guy and two other girls she knows. Poker? What kind of poker? Since when does she know how to play poker? And so late on a school night? A school night! And who is this cute guy? And is all your homework done? Will you get enough sleep to make it to class in the morning? Biting my tongue big time (or should I say controlling my fingers during texting?).

All I said was that it was fine she didn't call, I hope she had a good time, and I love her, goodnight. She is in college, she has to answer to herself, I know this. I also know that she is a determined young lady that is driven to succeed, so she won't let things like this get in the way of her schooling. At least, that is who she was when she left! She also didn't play poker when she left! Growing up, letting go, it sure isn't easy.

 

[HERSEY]

Last night, I had to remind myself that my daughter is in college, and I bit my tongue and said nothing. You see, my DD texted me at about 10 last night, saying she was sorry she hadn't called (she likes to call home every night), but she had been playing poker with a cute guy and two other girls she knows. Poker? What kind of poker? Since when does she know how to play poker? And so late on a school night? A school night! And who is this cute guy? And is all your homework done? Will you get enough sleep to make it to class in the morning? Biting my tongue big time (or should I say controlling my fingers during texting?).

All I said was that it was fine she didn't call, I hope she had a good time, and I love her, goodnight. She is in college, she has to answer to herself, I know this. I also know that she is a determined young lady that is driven to succeed, so she won't let things like this get in the way of her schooling. At least, that is who she was when she left! She also didn't play poker when she left! Growing up, letting go, it sure isn't easy.

Oh my! My son was saying he was "going to have to start spending the love' I nearly dropped the phone. He said laughing that he has been spending time with the same group and needed to expand that group a bit. That kid is going to make me more crazy

 

[mom2rtk]

It sounds like you guys have a good plan in place. Hopefully he feels better quickly. I know they are all going to get sick while they are away, but this is when we really want to be there for them. It is times like this when you wish they would have picked the school that was only an hour away! Hang in there and try not to worry too much. I know, easier said than done.

Thanks Lisa. Well, we HAD a plan. He texted back saying he felt a little better and was going to hold off on the health center and go to class. I have my fingers crossed he'll go later today, but I don't know. I think he has a little lighter schedule tomorrow, so maybe his plan is to give it one more night. I did tell him to stop at the convenience store near his dorm and get some Tylenol. I sent ibuprofen, but I didn't like him not having an alternative when that wasn't working. So hopefully he'll do at least that. I am thinking of putting together a small package of some more OTC meds to mail today. Not sure if I'll upgrade to express or not, but I want him to have more tools at his disposal.

And yes, it is just killing me that I can't be there to help when I know he's not feeling well. I sure hope he stays on top of this though. I think his first chemistry test is later this week and I'd hate for him to be fighting illness at the same time.

Mom2rtk, I hope your son feels better soon. I know it might sound weird, but my daughter had been complaining that her throat was hurting in the mornings, and I mentioned that the room might be too dry. I offered to send a humidifier, just a small one mind you, but no, that is not acceptable! Instead, she put out a bowl of water on the shelf right next to her head, and she says she feels better. Anything to avoid the dreaded embarrassment of mom sending a humidifier! So maybe the air is dry?

Last night, I had to remind myself that my daughter is in college, and I bit my tongue and said nothing. You see, my DD texted me at about 10 last night, saying she was sorry she hadn't called (she likes to call home every night), but she had been playing poker with a cute guy and two other girls she knows. Poker? What kind of poker? Since when does she know how to play poker? And so late on a school night? A school night! And who is this cute guy? And is all your homework done? Will you get enough sleep to make it to class in the morning? Biting my tongue big time (or should I say controlling my fingers during texting?).

All I said was that it was fine she didn't call, I hope she had a good time, and I love her, goodnight. She is in college, she has to answer to herself, I know this. I also know that she is a determined young lady that is driven to succeed, so she won't let things like this get in the way of her schooling. At least, that is who she was when she left! She also didn't play poker when she left! Growing up, letting go, it sure isn't easy.

Thanks for the suggestion on the humidity. I'll throw that out there to him. This seems like something else, but it's not a bad idea to suggest the bowl of water either.

And poker? Yikes. I wonder if they have any idea how much little tidbits like that drive us parents crazy? Relax though..... if it was anything bad, I'm thinking she wouldn't have mentioned it!

Oh my! My son was saying he was "going to have to start spending the love' I nearly dropped the phone. He said laughing that he has been spending time with the same group and needed to expand that group a bit. That kid is going to make me more crazy

He sounds like a bright kid. Very smart to start moving out of the comfort zone and expanding his base of friends. I think my son did great at finding a small group to be close with, but probably needs to reach out more now too. You know, when he doesn't have anything contagious to share.

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

It sounds like you guys have a good plan in place. Hopefully he feels better quickly. I know they are all going to get sick while they are away, but this is when we really want to be there for them. It is times like this when you wish they would have picked the school that was only an hour away! Hang in there and try not to worry too much. I know, easier said than done.

Sorry to say but even when they pick the school closer to home, they still push you away when they don't feel good. Last year my son got his season allergies and wasn't taking his OTC meds. He told me he was miserable and could barely have enough tissues. I offered to bring him home to get some extra sleep and he said "NO I'll tough it out." and magically the next day he was so much better. And not he didn't go to bed earlier either.

Please don't panic too much over sore throats and sniffles. From personal experience with myself and my sons, changing environments can/will bring on periods of allergy symptoms of sore throat and sinus issues. May I strongly suggest if the ibuprofen isn't helping they try an allergy med. We use Allegra. I have a young man (22) that keeps having these symptoms and he was insisting it was a cold. He went away for the weekend and said "OH my cold was awful when we were hiking in the woods." I gave him the mom evil eye and told him to try taking Allegra and magically the next day he was back to normal. If your sons are more than an hour away, the environment is different than your home and something in the air could be bugging him. We just went through RAGWEED allergies here in Massachusetts and now the mold is upon us with the leaves starting to change and drop and the rain with the sun not being as warm to dry things.

Ok take what you want from what I said and leave the other stuff behind. Just speaking from personal experience. And I've been right more than once.

Mom2rtk, I hope your son feels better soon. I know it might sound weird, but my daughter had been complaining that her throat was hurting in the mornings, and I mentioned that the room might be too dry. I offered to send a humidifier, just a small one mind you, but no, that is not acceptable! Instead, she put out a bowl of water on the shelf right next to her head, and she says she feels better. Anything to avoid the dreaded embarrassment of mom sending a humidifier! So maybe the air is dry?

Last night, I had to remind myself that my daughter is in college, and I bit my tongue and said nothing. You see, my DD texted me at about 10 last night, saying she was sorry she hadn't called (she likes to call home every night), but she had been playing poker with a cute guy and two other girls she knows. Poker? What kind of poker? Since when does she know how to play poker? And so late on a school night? A school night! And who is this cute guy? And is all your homework done? Will you get enough sleep to make it to class in the morning? Biting my tongue big time (or should I say controlling my fingers during texting?).

All I said was that it was fine she didn't call, I hope she had a good time, and I love her, goodnight. She is in college, she has to answer to herself, I know this. I also know that she is a determined young lady that is driven to succeed, so she won't let things like this get in the way of her schooling. At least, that is who she was when she left! She also didn't play poker when she left! Growing up, letting go, it sure isn't easy.

I love the humor in this post!!! Thanks for making light a somewhat worry but recognition of growing up. I didn't play Poker but the "cute guy" downstairs at college taught me to play backgammon and I loved staying up late kicking his butt. His girlfriend didn't like it but oh well.

LOL biting lip vs controlling fingers. Love it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Sorry to say but even when they pick the school closer to home, they still push you away when they don't feel good. Last year my son got his season allergies and wasn't taking his OTC meds. He told me he was miserable and could barely have enough tissues. I offered to bring him home to get some extra sleep and he said "NO I'll tough it out." and magically the next day he was so much better. And not he didn't go to bed earlier either.

Please don't panic too much over sore throats and sniffles. From personal experience with myself and my sons, changing environments can/will bring on periods of allergy symptoms of sore throat and sinus issues. May I strongly suggest if the ibuprofen isn't helping they try an allergy med. We use Allegra. I have a young man (22) that keeps having these symptoms and he was insisting it was a cold. He went away for the weekend and said "OH my cold was awful when we were hiking in the woods." I gave him the mom evil eye and told him to try taking Allegra and magically the next day he was back to normal. If your sons are more than an hour away, the environment is different than your home and something in the air could be bugging him. We just went through RAGWEED allergies here in Massachusetts and now the mold is upon us with the leaves starting to change and drop and the rain with the sun not being as warm to dry things.

Ok take what you want from what I said and leave the other stuff behind. Just speaking from personal experience. And I've been right more than once.

I've been back and forth all day on whether it's allergies or a virus. My DS is supposed to take Zyrtec every night. When he was home over Labor Day I heard him sniffling and handed him one every night to make sure he took it. But of course, I'm sure he stopped when he got back to school.

He had been complaining of a sore throat the last couple days, but this morning is when it took a turn for the worse and he said he could barely swallow. He had already taken 400 mg of ibuprofen and it hadn't helped. So I had him take 200 more and it finally helped some.

So...... I still have no idea if he has anything like strep since he didn't go to student health. I guess he'll figure it out eventually. At least we both got a crash course this morning finding out where student health is located, what hours they are open and how much it costs. So when he needs it, we'll know. And I put together another box of goodies, and included a bigger variety of OTC meds including Tylenol. For those of you who don't know, you can dose ibuprofen and acetaminophen concomitantly if one isn't doing the trick. It really is a great 1-2 punch for pain.

 

[marcyinPA]

Last night I scored a phone call from my son! He was super chatty- we talked for an hour and 11 minutes! In fact, by about 45 minutes in, I was like "Well...anything else?" because I really needed a shower- I had just gotten home from Zumba when he called. But he kept going and going....

Mostly he was talking about how his girlfriend sent him a really mushy batch of letters and notes and photos for their 1 year anniversary and he received it yesterday. He misses her so much, and I think this may have been the "proof", if you will, that he needed that their long distance relationship is going OK so far.

We also talked about the fact that housing applications will be filled out soon for next semester, and he really wants to room with another guy he has become friends with. This guy is currently commuting but will live on campus in the Spring, and asked my DS to room with him. Originally, DS wasn't sure because he didn't want to hurt his current roommates feelings, but now he just really wants to get out of the dorm he is in, and move on. My DS is not a drinker at all, and his roommate came in at 3 am on Saturday night wasted. I guess my kid is sheltered, because he didn't really know what to do- not that he could "do" anything, but you know. His friends in HS didn't drink- and although my DH and I drink socially (OK, I like my wine!)- DS really has no experience with drunk friends. Anyway- his current roommate is nice enough, and not psycho- but DS would rather room with this other guy, with whom he has more in common. I totally get that.

So- he is coming home this weekend- but not really for us. He is going to the PSU game with his adult mentor from church when he was in HS. They go to a game together every year, and this weekend is the weekend. He is excited- and I think excited to come home. And seriously, kind of excited to go to church with us on Sunday morning. It may sound really strange to some, but church is a huge part of his life- and our church especially. He did go to a church with some college friends on Sunday, but it was WAYYYYYY different than what he is used to. WAYYYYY more conservative. Like no women in leadership conservative. It made him really uncomfortable. I don't know if he will go back or not- but he was really missing our church!! If only he had a car, he could stay on campus over the weekend and just drive home the 40 minutes on Sunday morning for church!

It was good to hear his voice. He sounded like he was being very serious with his school work, which is good to hear. He has had some issues in the past of shutting down when things get rough- but it sounds like he is forging ahead. His first paper in English class is due next week- five pages analyzing a print ad. He didn't sound too rattled about it- but I was thinking "how do you get five pages out of a print ad??" Oh- and he loves Sociology and asked me if he could change his major?! He is currently a Psych major with a counseling concentration, but in all honesty, he doesn't really know what he wants to do with it. I don't know if he earned a B.A. in Sociology if he would ever find a job?! What DO you do with a Sociology degree??

I hope the sick kids in the group are feeling better- and everyone is having a good week- cleaning rooms?!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

Last night I scored a phone call from my son! He was super chatty- we talked for an hour and 11 minutes! In fact, by about 45 minutes in, I was like "Well...anything else?" because I really needed a shower- I had just gotten home from Zumba when he called. But he kept going and going....

Mostly he was talking about how his girlfriend sent him a really mushy batch of letters and notes and photos for their 1 year anniversary and he received it yesterday. He misses her so much, and I think this may have been the "proof", if you will, that he needed that their long distance relationship is going OK so far.

We also talked about the fact that housing applications will be filled out soon for next semester, and he really wants to room with another guy he has become friends with. This guy is currently commuting but will live on campus in the Spring, and asked my DS to room with him. Originally, DS wasn't sure because he didn't want to hurt his current roommates feelings, but now he just really wants to get out of the dorm he is in, and move on. My DS is not a drinker at all, and his roommate came in at 3 am on Saturday night wasted. I guess my kid is sheltered, because he didn't really know what to do- not that he could "do" anything, but you know. His friends in HS didn't drink- and although my DH and I drink socially (OK, I like my wine!)- DS really has no experience with drunk friends. Anyway- his current roommate is nice enough, and not psycho- but DS would rather room with this other guy, with whom he has more in common. I totally get that.

So- he is coming home this weekend- but not really for us. He is going to the PSU game with his adult mentor from church when he was in HS. They go to a game together every year, and this weekend is the weekend. He is excited- and I think excited to come home. And seriously, kind of excited to go to church with us on Sunday morning. It may sound really strange to some, but church is a huge part of his life- and our church especially. He did go to a church with some college friends on Sunday, but it was WAYYYYYY different than what he is used to. WAYYYYY more conservative. Like no women in leadership conservative. It made him really uncomfortable. I don't know if he will go back or not- but he was really missing our church!! If only he had a car, he could stay on campus over the weekend and just drive home the 40 minutes on Sunday morning for church!

It was good to hear his voice. He sounded like he was being very serious with his school work, which is good to hear. He has had some issues in the past of shutting down when things get rough- but it sounds like he is forging ahead. His first paper in English class is due next week- five pages analyzing a print ad. He didn't sound too rattled about it- but I was thinking "how do you get five pages out of a print ad??" Oh- and he loves Sociology and asked me if he could change his major?! He is currently a Psych major with a counseling concentration, but in all honesty, he doesn't really know what he wants to do with it. I don't know if he earned a B.A. in Sociology if he would ever find a job?! What DO you do with a Sociology degree??

I hope the sick kids in the group are feeling better- and everyone is having a good week- cleaning rooms?!

Yay for the phone call.
Yay for the girlfriend.
and double yay for the church stuff. We have always been a church family, but my son hit the point (some negative stuff happened in the social end of church) that he will go only if we "make" him go. And making him go meant he definitely wasn't coming home on weekends. So I had to pick and choose between him wanting to be here or avoiding us because of our demands. I've been told by many that in time he will return to just give him space. This summer he hardly went to church, but every Monday he volunteered to help clean the church. that was part my strong suggestion since he didn't have a job either and I felt he needed something other than sleep and his computer. And then I got him to volunteer at Vacation Bible school for the whole week.

Well your post made me smile. I might see my son briefly on Saturday night into Sunday afternoon. (I'm sure he'll sleep late) Then he will go back until the end of October when he has to come home for the night because of a dentist appointment in the morning, and then I'll be bringing him back intime for his afternoon classes.

My first real opportunity to spend time with him will be Thanksgiving. My Disney vacation is the week before, so at least I'll have him being home a few days to look forward to when I have to come home from the World.

Have a magical day!

 

[Katy Belle]

I just had a phone call too! I requested it, but at least he did call!

Parent weekend and "dad's day" is this weekend, mostly Saturday. He had heard nothing about it. The activities are completely centered around the football game. He has ZERO interest in football. Also, its "Junior Day" for HS students and one of his very best friends is coming for that. She is coming in a group of 14. He is super close to her and her mom and to a man/dad that was his Chaperon on their Band Trip to Ireland last year. So, he kind of already has plans for Saturday. So I was faced with the very tricky job of figuring out if he wants us to come, or if he would rather we stayed away.

We finally decided that we would both think about Sunday and look at our schedules. He will be coming home the next weekend, so its not like we NEED to see each other, but I don't want him feeling like everyone else's parents came and we didn't! And we are happy to come, its only 2 hours! So, hopefully it will work out and we can zip over and back on Sunday.

He took his first Calc quiz Monday. He told me he was pretty sure he got one question right, but it was a 2 question quiz! He did get it back today and he got the first question right and the 2nd question wrong. It said, +5 at the top. So he is assuming it was just 10 pts. He is going to a study session with the TA tonight, so hopefully the TA will help him understand what is going on!

Hugs to all my college mom friends!

 

[LisaR]

I've been back and forth all day on whether it's allergies or a virus. My DS is supposed to take Zyrtec every night. When he was home over Labor Day I heard him sniffling and handed him one every night to make sure he took it. But of course, I'm sure he stopped when he got back to school.

He had been complaining of a sore throat the last couple days, but this morning is when it took a turn for the worse and he said he could barely swallow. He had already taken 400 mg of ibuprofen and it hadn't helped. So I had him take 200 more and it finally helped some.

So...... I still have no idea if he has anything like strep since he didn't go to student health. I guess he'll figure it out eventually. At least we both got a crash course this morning finding out where student health is located, what hours they are open and how much it costs. So when he needs it, we'll know. And I put together another box of goodies, and included a bigger variety of OTC meds including Tylenol. For those of you who don't know, you can dose ibuprofen and acetaminophen concomitantly if one isn't doing the trick. It really is a great 1-2 punch for pain.

How is your son feeling? I hope he is getting better or at least taking care of himself.

Last night I scored a phone call from my son! He was super chatty- we talked for an hour and 11 minutes! In fact, by about 45 minutes in, I was like "Well...anything else?" because I really needed a shower- I had just gotten home from Zumba when he called. But he kept going and going....

Mostly he was talking about how his girlfriend sent him a really mushy batch of letters and notes and photos for their 1 year anniversary and he received it yesterday. He misses her so much, and I think this may have been the "proof", if you will, that he needed that their long distance relationship is going OK so far.

We also talked about the fact that housing applications will be filled out soon for next semester, and he really wants to room with another guy he has become friends with. This guy is currently commuting but will live on campus in the Spring, and asked my DS to room with him. Originally, DS wasn't sure because he didn't want to hurt his current roommates feelings, but now he just really wants to get out of the dorm he is in, and move on. My DS is not a drinker at all, and his roommate came in at 3 am on Saturday night wasted. I guess my kid is sheltered, because he didn't really know what to do- not that he could "do" anything, but you know. His friends in HS didn't drink- and although my DH and I drink socially (OK, I like my wine!)- DS really has no experience with drunk friends. Anyway- his current roommate is nice enough, and not psycho- but DS would rather room with this other guy, with whom he has more in common. I totally get that.

So- he is coming home this weekend- but not really for us. He is going to the PSU game with his adult mentor from church when he was in HS. They go to a game together every year, and this weekend is the weekend. He is excited- and I think excited to come home. And seriously, kind of excited to go to church with us on Sunday morning. It may sound really strange to some, but church is a huge part of his life- and our church especially. He did go to a church with some college friends on Sunday, but it was WAYYYYYY different than what he is used to. WAYYYYY more conservative. Like no women in leadership conservative. It made him really uncomfortable. I don't know if he will go back or not- but he was really missing our church!! If only he had a car, he could stay on campus over the weekend and just drive home the 40 minutes on Sunday morning for church!

It was good to hear his voice. He sounded like he was being very serious with his school work, which is good to hear. He has had some issues in the past of shutting down when things get rough- but it sounds like he is forging ahead. His first paper in English class is due next week- five pages analyzing a print ad. He didn't sound too rattled about it- but I was thinking "how do you get five pages out of a print ad??" Oh- and he loves Sociology and asked me if he could change his major?! He is currently a Psych major with a counseling concentration, but in all honesty, he doesn't really know what he wants to do with it. I don't know if he earned a B.A. in Sociology if he would ever find a job?! What DO you do with a Sociology degree??

I hope the sick kids in the group are feeling better- and everyone is having a good week- cleaning rooms?!

My DD has done that with a few phone calls. She talks and talks, which I love, but it has actually gotten to the point where I am kind of running out of things to say, but she isn't hanging up! It happened more so in the beginning so I attribute it to homesickness and getting adjusted. She doesn't call as often now and when she does, she still talks a lot (that is just her personality) but it has more of a natural ending now.

Her big thing since she went away has been to send me a picture of the food she is eating. Seriously, we were never food porn type people, but I get a food picture almost every day now! After another food picture yesterday, I sent her a text that went something like this, "This is an automated text message. Your mother would like you to know that you have 24 hours to send a picture of yourself showing not only proof of life, but proof of fun. Said picture may include more pictures of food, but your face must be included. If you don't comply, there will be repercussions in the form of fewer care packages. Love, the automated text message service." .....Or something corny like that. Anyway, she sent me four pictures of herself and a couple kids she was hanging out with making stupid faces for the camera. They were hilarious and made my night!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

How is your son feeling? I hope he is getting better or at least taking care of himself.



My DD has done that with a few phone calls. She talks and talks, which I love, but it has actually gotten to the point where I am kind of running out of things to say, but she isn't hanging up! It happened more so in the beginning so I attribute it to homesickness and getting adjusted. She doesn't call as often now and when she does, she still talks a lot (that is just her personality) but it has more of a natural ending now.

Her big thing since she went away has been to send me a picture of the food she is eating. Seriously, we were never food porn type people, but I get a food picture almost every day now! After another food picture yesterday, I sent her a text that went something like this, "This is an automated text message. Your mother would like you to know that you have 24 hours to send a picture of yourself showing not only proof of life, but proof of fun. Said picture may include more pictures of food, but your face must be included. If you don't comply, there will be repercussions in the form of fewer care packages. Love, the automated text message service." .....Or something corny like that. Anyway, she sent me four pictures of herself and a couple kids she was hanging out with making stupid pictures for the camera. They were hilarious and made my night!

That is too funny! Love the automated message. LOL