Parents of College Class of 2018 (A.K.A., "Is this the line to the poor house?")

[elgerber]

I felt the same way at some points of Parent's Weekend. I said to DH several times that I kind of felt like we were intruding. That's why I liked her visit home so much better. At home things were relaxed and easy.

We won't see her again until Thanksgiving and were traveling together to visit family.

Also agreed, visiting her at campus was a bit weird sometimes. Some of the time it was normal, but at the beginning and the end it was awkward. After dinner the first night though, we went back to the hotel and watched a new show on TV, that was great. I was so happy to just sit in the hotel and watch TV with her.
It was much better when she was at home for the long weekend, things were normal then. It was hard when she left again. She will be home this weekend, Fri night through Sunday afternoon, and we have a jam packed schedule!!! All stuff together, but no down time.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

My son called us on Friday to wish his Dad a Happy Birthday. I think that was great that he remembered.
I sent out his Halloween package last tuesday and it still hasn't arrived even though tracking says it was delivered. I'm not surprised at all.

Luckily he received his car tags today (he sent me a text) so he can drive the car again.

He also said he'll be coming home for Thanksgiving week and requested some specific meals from me. He said he misses my cooking.

He meets with his College Advisor this week to discuss next semester classes - seems early to me but they do this stuff early so it can be completed before Christmas break. At least we'll know what he needs for 2nd semester and can buy it all while he's home where there is more of a selection.

I bet it's going to be strange having him home again even for such a short time. I can't wait to see how his cat reacts. She is going to go crazy. LOL

 

[elgerber]

My son called us on Friday to wish his Dad a Happy Birthday. I think that was great that he remembered.
I sent out his Halloween package last tuesday and it still hasn't arrived even though tracking says it was delivered. I'm not surprised at all.

Luckily he received his car tags today (he sent me a text) so he can drive the car again.

He also said he'll be coming home for Thanksgiving week and requested some specific meals from me. He said he misses my cooking.

He meets with his College Advisor this week to discuss next semester classes - seems early to me but they do this stuff early so it can be completed before Christmas break. At least we'll know what he needs for 2nd semester and can buy it all while he's home where there is more of a selection.

I bet it's going to be strange having him home again even for such a short time. I can't wait to see how his cat reacts. She is going to go crazy. LOL

Registration has already started at DD's school. Being freshman, she registers next week, although I think she registers ahead of other freshman because of her AP credtis.

 

[WDWJDS]

He has another game this coming weekend, and it's away. He seemed to think we wouldn't travel to this other school (about the same distance as his school from our house). But after that, we won't see him till Thanksgiving. When he comes home on the weekends, we rarely see him anyway. I wonder if his ego is just that big now...he said he was the subject of a YikYak at his school.

Not trying to be snarky, but maybe he feels like he's seeing much more of you than other students see of their parents. You said that he comes home on some weekends, you travel to his games, and it's only been about two months or less since school started.

Many families only see each other once (family weekend) or twice before thanksgiving.

Just a thought.

 

[Pembo]

DS has been home 4 times since August and we went down for Parents Day. Agree with pp, Parents day was bit awkward. There really wasn't anywhere to just hang out. It was a beautiful day so we hung out on benches on campus for awhile. DS had a horrible cold and ended up taking a nap in our car for an hour! We just sat in a parking lot on campus.

His fall break visit was great. He was home from Thurs eve to Sun. It was hard again to say goodbye. I'm getting better but dd cried after we drove away so that turned on my tears. I am so happy for him and he is having a great time but it is still weird at home without him. During the week isn't so bad, but the weekends are a little odd.

Not sure when he'll be home again..he's going to a concert this wknd, he has a semi-formal for the frat in November sometime. We will see...

I love that he likes coming home and seeing us and I love that he likes to stay there and have new experiences. We are lucky that he is only 2 hours away.

 

[Bluestars]

My daughter came home this weekend for Fall break! It was so great to hug her! We had a great time and she got to see most of her aunts and uncles and cousins. She also got to be there when my sister announced she is pregnant so that was fun.

She left last night and I miss her already! Can't wait till Thanksgiving to see her again!!!

On a really sad note - she did find out yesterday morning that another student whom she knew in passing (not really friends but she knew who he was) died Saturday night. He was hit by a car in their college town. I can't imagine what his parents are going through right now... This is the second student to die this year from her school - the other was studying abroad when she died. Very, very sad.

That's so sad.

My son finally had a free weekend and was able to go on a short trip to another state to attend some conferences. He isn't allowed to come home Thanksgiving Day because they are required to march at the football game, but he wants to come home the next day. We will just celebrate Thanksgiving on Friday this year.

We were going to go on a vacation at Christmas time, but he just wants to come home, relax, and hang out with his friends. He thinks that two of his Christmas vacation weeks will be spent doing some type of army training, so he will only get two weeks off. He used to complain about being bored when he lived at home, now he probably wishes for a few days where he didn't have to do anything. But the weird thing is that when he does finally get a day off, he volunteers for stuff or attends lectures.

 

[sk!mom]

My son called us on Friday to wish his Dad a Happy Birthday. I think that was great that he remembered.
I sent out his Halloween package last tuesday and it still hasn't arrived even though tracking says it was delivered. I'm not surprised at all.

Luckily he received his car tags today (he sent me a text) so he can drive the car again.

He also said he'll be coming home for Thanksgiving week and requested some specific meals from me. He said he misses my cooking.

He meets with his College Advisor this week to discuss next semester classes - seems early to me but they do this stuff early so it can be completed before Christmas break. At least we'll know what he needs for 2nd semester and can buy it all while he's home where there is more of a selection.

I bet it's going to be strange having him home again even for such a short time. I can't wait to see how his cat reacts. She is going to go crazy. LOL

Both of the pumpkins I mailed arrived at their destinations so I'm now a believer in the mailing of unconventional items. I'd love to hear ideas for future holidays.

DD's only visit home included the request for two home cooked dinners. She is very tired of the dorm food.

She registered for next semester last week. She texted me by 7:15 am that she was able to log right on and got a great schedule- no Friday classes.

She went to hear George Takei last night and then out to dinner with a friend. She called at 10:30 as she was waiting beside the road for AAA. They arrived and changed her flat. We had all new tires put on the car in July so I reminded her that she has to go to Discount Tire for the fix or replacement.

I'm seeing more and more how maturing going a good distance from home has been. Last month she had to handle the death of her phone and getting a replacement shipped. Last night she already had AAA on the way when she called to ask her dad a question about where she should go for a replacement. Because she's not close enough for us to swoop in and take care of things she's learning to handle life's ups and downs on her own.

 

[tajz90]

Both of the pumpkins I mailed arrived at their destinations so I'm now a believer in the mailing of unconventional items. I'd love to hear ideas for future holidays.

DD's only visit home included the request for two home cooked dinners. She is very tired of the dorm food.

She registered for next semester last week. She texted me by 7:15 am that she was able to log right on and got a great schedule- no Friday classes.

She went to hear George Takei last night and then out to dinner with a friend. She called at 10:30 as she was waiting beside the road for AAA. They arrived and changed her flat. We had all new tires put on the car in July so I reminded her that she has to go to Discount Tire for the fix or replacement.

I'm seeing more and more how maturing going a good distance from home has been. Last month she had to handle the death of her phone and getting a replacement shipped. Last night she already had AAA on the way when she called to ask her dad a question about where she should go for a replacement. Because she's not close enough for us to swoop in and take care of things she's learning to handle life's ups and downs on her own.

UNT? Is she enjoying herself? My son graduated from UNT.

 

[njmom47]

Not trying to be snarky, but maybe he feels like he's seeing much more of you than other students see of their parents. You said that he comes home on some weekends, you travel to his games, and it's only been about two months or less since school started.

Many families only see each other once (family weekend) or twice before thanksgiving.

Just a thought.

No snark taken.
He's only 1 1/2 hrs away...most kids go home on the weekends so he's either studying (as he says) or going to off-campus parties (which he also has admitted to) but he has also said it is boring sometimes at school on the weekends. He only has 2 games this Fall and I wanted to watch him play his first game at the collegiate level (and we sat in the outfield..not even on the bleachers). When he does come home, we never see him anyway; he sleeps out or stays out half the night and sleeps all day. He will text or call us once or twice during the week. (ETA There was a couple of weeks in Mid-Sept that he did call or text quite a bit). After this weekend though, we won't see him till Thanksgiving. I'm fine with that. He's our "baby" and the only 1 of my 3 to attend school so this is new for all of us. I'm not really emotional about it as he was never home this past summer anyway.

 

[disneymom2one]

We see our daughter often - probably more than most people but you know ... I'm okay with it. I had no idea how this whole thing would go. I assumed she'd be home more often but it works better for her if we come over there (and hour away), take her out, and then leave. It gives her a chance to refuel her batteries but she doesn't have to deal with the transition of being home and then going back. So that's what we do. Our closest friends and family are aware of how often we're there and they understand.

It sounds like everyone is doing well. There's no fall break at most Florida colleges but Thanksgiving is coming up quickly, then finals, then Christmas break. We're doing the Carolinas for winter break this year. No WDW - need to let our DVC points build back up and I don't want to buy AP's this year. We've gotten into an every other year schedule which is not something I could have anticipated a few years ago but it works for us. I'm looking forward to the Christmas road trip. Both Charleston and Asheville are new to us and rates were super cheap for both places.

Happy Tuesday (or whatever day you read this).

 

[sk!mom]

UNT? Is she enjoying herself? My son graduated from UNT.

Yes, UNT. She is having the time of her life. It was undoubtedly the right school for her.

It's honestly a gem of a school that deserves more credit. We only visited it as a safety because she wanted a big city. One visit and she was sold. We had no idea that it has so much to offer. And it's the best of both worlds- a cool college town vibe right on the edge of a thriving metropolis!

 

[tajz90]

Yes, UNT. She is having the time of her life. It was undoubtedly the right school for her. It's honestly a gem of a school that deserves more credit. We only visited it as a safety because she wanted a big city. One visit and she was sold. We had no idea that it has so much to offer. And it's the best of both worlds- a cool college town vibe right on the edge of a thriving metropolis!

Our son said he wanted to attend UNT his freshman year of HS because they offered a program that no one else did. He loved it. Gave him a lot of opportunities. Graduated in May from the Honors college and is now attending Syracuse University for grad school.

The town is perfect with lots to do. Congrats. We love UNT!

 

[madge]

that was my other question that I forgot.

thanks so much for the details! I think I'm going to give it a try!

I decided against the pumpkin thing for a couple of reasons.
1. the pumpkins @ target were super flimsy. I am not sure they would've survived a trip in the mail.

2. I made it to round 2 of the Disney Moms Panel, and I was consumed with that.

so, mom of the year, here.

 

[madge]

I felt the same way at some points of Parent's Weekend. I said to DH several times that I kind of felt like we were intruding. That's why I liked her visit home so much better. At home things were relaxed and easy.

I had mixed thoughts on Parent's Weekend .. since it was a special occasion, the school had really made an effort to welcome parents & families. We've also been down there for so many other things in the last year, we are sort of familiar with the campus, so it's not so "new". We saw no need to re-visit the dorm room, so that eliminated one big giant awkward right there. The family picnic at the fraternity house ... we weren't sure how that would go, and it ended up being ok. DS had only been a member for 2 weeks, so there were several guys he didn't really know when we got there. Once his friends came, that improved quite a bit. We'll have a much better idea how to do things next year.

He actually just texted and said he got his activities calendars for the fraternity and honors stuff .... he's coming home Thanksgiving. 4 more weeks.

 

[Bluestars]

I decided against the pumpkin thing for a couple of reasons.
1. the pumpkins @ target were super flimsy. I am not sure they would've survived a trip in the mail.

2. I made it to round 2 of the Disney Moms Panel, and I was consumed with that.

so, mom of the year, here.

Congratulations to making it to round two!

 

[sk!mom]

I had mixed thoughts on Parent's Weekend .. since it was a special occasion, the school had really made an effort to welcome parents & families. We've also been down there for so many other things in the last year, we are sort of familiar with the campus, so it's not so "new". We saw no need to re-visit the dorm room, so that eliminated one big giant awkward right there. The family picnic at the fraternity house ... we weren't sure how that would go, and it ended up being ok. DS had only been a member for 2 weeks, so there were several guys he didn't really know when we got there. Once his friends came, that improved quite a bit. We'll have a much better idea how to do things next year.

He actually just texted and said he got his activities calendars for the fraternity and honors stuff .... he's coming home Thanksgiving. 4 more weeks.

We won't do the organized Parent's Weekend next year. We paid $60 each and then the only included event we attended was the football game and tail gate. Next year, we'll just go for a visit and buy football tickets by themselves.

 

[madge]

We won't do the organized Parent's Weekend next year. We paid $60 each and then the only included event we attended was the football game and tail gate. Next year, we'll just go for a visit and buy football tickets by themselves.

holy cow! that's pricey! ours was $10. free football tickets.

we didn't really do any of the university sponsored events. I could not bring myself to sit through one more student panel. I couldn't. I honestly don't think there was a thing they could've told me I didn't already know from the other 547 panels I sat in on over the past year.

next year will be completely different for us. DS will be more established in the fraternity, we know to set up a tailgate early so we have a place to hang out during the afternoon ... I'm sort of looking forward to it, even though the idea of parents & kids tailgating together is a little awkward. (per DS )

 

[madge]

Congratulations to making it to round two!

thanks! I realized this morning I have what I think is a pretty glaring mistake in nomenclature, so I'm sure I'm out. that's sort of a bummer. but at least I realized now I have no chance instead of crossing my fingers for 3 more weeks.

 

[2Kds2K9]

Hi all! I've been following this thread since last year during the whole acceptance process and now for everyone's freshman year at college. Congrats to all!

I have a DD who is a freshman at a private school in state and a DS who is a sophomore out of state and am now an empty nester. There is good and bad to the whole thing.

Anyway, just wanted to pass on a warning to all. DD and I have a great relationship. She's very open and honest with me, almost to a fault. Has shared with me some things that make my hair stand up, but I'm glad that she feels she can. On the other hand, I'm sure there are some things that she keeps private. I'm a realist!

She called me earlier this week and wanted to share with me what happened to her roommate on Saturday night. Apparently, a group of girls and boys went to a party off campus, and then the roommate left with her group and went to another party. DD shared with me that there are "underground fraternitys" and that there are drugs at these gatherings. The roommate got drugged and who ever did it, hit her. Luckily, if you can say that, there was not more. The roommate spent the night in the ER on fluids getting her system flushed out.

After picking myself up off the floor and composing myself, I was able to chat with my DD in a calm matter and discuss this whole thing. (it was after I hung up the phone that I sat and cried!) DD was just shattered that it happened to someone she knew. She's heard the warnings a hundred times, but I think she finally had reality hit her smack in the face. The roommate is fine, but sounds like she's had her spirit shattered in this whole thing as well. This is a private, expensive college and I think some of the kids get the feeling that it won't happen there; it's only at the big universities.

Just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that this does happen! Talk to your kids, both boys and girls, and tell them that if they go out to drink, and you know they will, not to accept open beverages. This includes soda! If they leave their drink unattended, don't drink it again!

As far as I know, this has not been reported to the school. I'm sure that there are many incidents that happen off campus, but involve the students, that are not reported. Therefore, there is no formal or real statistic on these incidents.

Take care!

 

[madge]

Hi all! I've been following this thread since last year during the whole acceptance process and now for everyone's freshman year at college. Congrats to all!

I have a DD who is a freshman at a private school in state and a DS who is a sophomore out of state and am now an empty nester. There is good and bad to the whole thing.

Anyway, just wanted to pass on a warning to all. DD and I have a great relationship. She's very open and honest with me, almost to a fault. Has shared with me some things that make my hair stand up, but I'm glad that she feels she can. On the other hand, I'm sure there are some things that she keeps private. I'm a realist!

She called me earlier this week and wanted to share with me what happened to her roommate on Saturday night. Apparently, a group of girls and boys went to a party off campus, and then the roommate left with her group and went to another party. DD shared with me that there are "underground fraternitys" and that there are drugs at these gatherings. The roommate got drugged and who ever did it, hit her. Luckily, if you can say that, there was not more. The roommate spent the night in the ER on fluids getting her system flushed out.

After picking myself up off the floor and composing myself, I was able to chat with my DD in a calm matter and discuss this whole thing. (it was after I hung up the phone that I sat and cried!) DD was just shattered that it happened to someone she knew. She's heard the warnings a hundred times, but I think she finally had reality hit her smack in the face. The roommate is fine, but sounds like she's had her spirit shattered in this whole thing as well. This is a private, expensive college and I think some of the kids get the feeling that it won't happen there; it's only at the big universities.

Just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that this does happen! Talk to your kids, both boys and girls, and tell them that if they go out to drink, and you know they will, not to accept open beverages. This includes soda! If they leave their drink unattended, don't drink it again!

As far as I know, this has not been reported to the school. I'm sure that there are many incidents that happen off campus, but involve the students, that are not reported. Therefore, there is no formal or real statistic on these incidents.

Take care!

wow! how awful for your daughter's friend and your daughter! she should report it, IMO.

we have gotten alerts about 4 sexual assault reports this semester. those are just the ones reported. God knows how many haven't