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

[Bluestars]

Oh, that's a bummer! Poor guy! Hopefully the spring semester won't be as bad as the fall semester! Is your DS going to stay at the same school next fall minus the Corps, or will he be transferring?

Sending him good thoughts and some pixie dust!

He is looking into other options. If he wants to stay in ROTC and go to the same school, he has to stay in the Corps. Most schools have ROTC and no Corps, so it doesn't take up so much of their spare time. There's no telling how he will feel next semester. Maybe it will be better. I just feel bad that I've told him how great college will be and it hasn't been so great for him. Oh well, he is hanging in there. At least he did well in his classes.

I hope everyone had a great day with their kids! It feels like old times having my son home for the holidays.

 

[JeannieNM]

We had a fun Christmas too. It is great having our DD home. We had 6 other family members staying with us last week. We do a big Christmas eve dinner with some friends as well. Everyone has headed home except our DD, though she has been at friends houses the last few days, and she is getting ready to head out again. It is nice that she has so many friends home and they all enjoy getting together.

She really likes her school, has made friends, took 12 classes (yes, classes not credits) all As except one B, she parties like a rock star, and all and all is loving the whole experience.

I wish everyone a wonderful new year and continued enjoyment with the kiddos at home.

 

[disneymom2one]

Ours has been home for three weeks as well and goes back on Sunday. We actually drove over to campus today (an hour or so drive) and bought her books to avoid the rush. We've loved having her home. For the most part, the semester went okay. Grades were good - an 89.5 in an honors speech class and a B+ in College Success were the only two concerns. We'll take the 89.5 because speech was tough for our Aspie. The College Success class is just something to shake your head at considering what her dad and I do for a living. We had a good laugh about that one and let it go. She's excited to go back but has really liked being home as well. She'll be back and forth as usual this semester but is going to do a service project for spring break (our spring break is a couple weeks later anyway). She'll be several states away for most of the week but it's only for kids from her school and I'm hopeful it'll be fine.

Happy 2015 everyone!

 

[sk!mom]

DD bought her books on Chegg yesterday. They were twice as much as last semester. Dang online code for math and a Philosophy book that was only available at the school Barnes and Noble.

I'm going to be really honest here, Anyone else feeling like your child is now a house guest? Maybe it's because she's our youngest and we became empty nesters in August. Maybe it's because her college is 4 hours away and she only made it home for one weekend last Semester. We even met up and traveled for Thanksgiving. But honestly she feels like a guest and I feel a bit like I'm entertaining.

I think we've adjusted to this stage of life.

 

[bimshire]

Sign me up. I'm already on the line for the poor house before college. DD is a junior. Just took the SATs for the second time. Hoping her scores go up (1590/2400) the first time. Thinking of spending the money on a tutor if she has to take them a third time. Right now admission isn't a problem, it's the merit money I'm after. She thinks she wants to do something in marine science but I know my daughter well. After one semester she'll be looking to transfer out.

Went on our first campus tour (Rowan in NJ). While we liked it well enough, it wasn't "the place". Once winter guard is over, we're hoping to visit a few more in NJ. Since she really isn't sure what she wants and I never went to college, we really didn't know where to look. She's definitely interested in Coastal Carolina (in SC).

As for unsupportive dads, well I'm still married to him, but it's an issue. That's why I'm hoping for merit money because most (if not all) of the financial responsibility will fall on me.

My DD is still, for the most part, uninterested in the whole college thing. Spent only a nominal amount of time studying for the SAT and really hasn't bothered to look into any colleges. I think she's ignoring it because she's feeling overwhelmed at the idea of leaving home and being on her own.

Please tell me I'll survive this and she'll grow up to be a productive, employed member of society?

Many parents could avoid the "poor house" by saving for college from the kids' birth. They are several college saving instruments including the 529 Educational Fund. If people wait until their children are in high school, it will be tough slogging.
College cost can also be cut by having your student go to a community college for the first 2 years and then transferring to a 4 year college for the final 2 years.
If you have a daughter that is interested in engineering, there are scholarships out there because some schools want to increase the number of women in that major.
There are different types of merit aid but it is best to know the information at the start of high school freshman year in order to follow a path to achieve such..

 

[JeannieNM]

Ours has been home for three weeks as well and goes back on Sunday. We actually drove over to campus today (an hour or so drive) and bought her books to avoid the rush. We've loved having her home. For the most part, the semester went okay. Grades were good - an 89.5 in an honors speech class and a B+ in College Success were the only two concerns. We'll take the 89.5 because speech was tough for our Aspie. The College Success class is just something to shake your head at considering what her dad and I do for a living. We had a good laugh about that one and let it go. She's excited to go back but has really liked being home as well. She'll be back and forth as usual this semester but is going to do a service project for spring break (our spring break is a couple weeks later anyway). She'll be several states away for most of the week but it's only for kids from her school and I'm hopeful it'll be fine.

Happy 2015 everyone!

So glad to hear your daughter is doing well. How exciting that she feels confident enough to sign up for the spring break service project. You most be so happy and proud of her!!!

DD bought her books on Chegg yesterday. They were twice as much as last semester. Dang online code for math and a Philosophy book that was only available at the school Barnes and Noble.

I'm going to be really honest here, Anyone else feeling like your child is now a house guest? Maybe it's because she's our youngest and we became empty nesters in August. Maybe it's because her college is 4 hours away and she only made it home for one weekend last Semester. We even met up and traveled for Thanksgiving. But honestly she feels like a guest and I feel a bit like I'm entertaining.

I think we've adjusted to this stage of life.

Sk!mom, you made me laugh, though there was one moment over break when I thought, when does she go back to school? It was the night we were waiting up for her to come home, bad weather, tough drive, and late hours. I am not used to worrying any more. With the exception of waiting for her to come home things have been very nice and I am feeling a little tug in my heart as she is preparing to go to NY with DH tomorrow for 5 days. She will be home for a few days and then head back to school. She too, only came home pnce before winter break. She said, she thought she would be going on vacation with friends over spring break. We do see her fairly often as we now have a condo in California not too far from her. They are usually a quick dinner or going to get our nails done but not living together.

I have noticed that she is much more helpful around the house. I do not know if it is maturity or having more time. When she was in high school she was so busy that when she was home she was either doing homework or sleeping. While she has been picking up dance classes, pilates, hot yoga, and going out a lot with friends she is still around more then when she was in high school.

Bimshire- I do not know if you noticed that this is the high school class of 2014 thread, our kids have all started on thier next phase of life be it university, college, community college or work, we are well past doing anything when they are born. We are here to lend support to each other as our children make the transition into adulthood.

 

[disneymom2one]

We noticed the helping around too. She seems to notice more when things need to be done. That's a definite change and one I welcome!

 

[Pembo]

DS goes back tomorrow. He has been working this break and made quite a bit of $$$. His job of 2 years is very good to college kids who come back each Xmas and summer.

We bought his books soon after he came home. He only needed a few as most of his classes are #2 and the books were the same. Last night we made a Target run and stocked up on food and some other things he needed. These college kids are expensive and not for tuition and books.

 

[Bluestars]

My son hasn't helped out any more around the house than when he was in high school. It feels just like old times, except he is home almost all of the time. He works out for several hours each day and then chills. He said that he does get bored, but it's in a good way. No marching. No getting up at 5:30. He doesn't have to make his bed. He has a private shower. I think he really appreciates how comfortable he had it at home.

I haven't had to worry about him too much because he isn't going out with his friends much at all. I guess they are all doing their own things during the break.

I ordered his books yesterday. He goes back on the 12th, but doesn't start school until around the 20th. He has to be back early for an Army thing, which he likes.

He applied for scholarships for his study abroad trip, so hopefully he will get something that will help with the tuition. This month has been nice having him home. He spends a lot of time with the family.

 

[sk!mom]

DD doesn't have to be back until 1/20 for class. Her dorm opens back up on the 14th so she'll go back sometime between the 14th and 19th. Her boyfriend also doesn't go back until then and they are at colleges 4 hours apart so I imagine they will stay home until the 19th.

I just said to DH this morning that having her home has us back on the parent of a teenager schedule of being up late and sleeping in. He and I return to work and regular schedule on Monday.

I hadn't thought about it but she's also been around more than the last couple of years of high school. She was so busy then and normally doing homework or sleeping when she was home. We were iced in from Tuesday night until yesterday and those days were nice for me as we got to just hang out with her. Played games, dug out the wii, and had a Little Couple marathon in front of a fire.

I also had to laugh as DH said just this morning, "How much longer is she staying?"

It's good that we've adjusted so well to this stage of life. I was dreading it so much all last year. I've told DH many times this fall that he was right, "We were good for years before having kids and we'll be good after."

One last thing...A condo in California! Super jealous of that!!

 

[JeannieNM]

DD doesn't have to be back until 1/20 for class. Her dorm opens back up on the 14th so she'll go back sometime between the 14th and 19th. Her boyfriend also doesn't go back until then and they are at colleges 4 hours apart so I imagine they will stay home until the 19th.

I just said to DH this morning that having her home has us back on the parent of a teenager schedule of being up late and sleeping in. He and I return to work and regular schedule on Monday.

I hadn't thought about it but she's also been around more than the last couple of years of high school. She was so busy then and normally doing homework or sleeping when she was home. We were iced in from Tuesday night until yesterday and those days were nice for me as we got to just hang out with her. Played games, dug out the wii, and had a Little Couple marathon in front of a fire.

I also had to laugh as DH said just this morning, "How much longer is she staying?"

It's good that we've adjusted so well to this stage of life. I was dreading it so much all last year. I've told DH many times this fall that he was right, "We were good for years before having kids and we'll be good after."

One last thing...A condo in California! Super jealous of that!!

SK!mom- we have been looking for about 10 years for a condo near the water. We looked in both Florida and California. We ended up buying one this October in a building we looked at 8 years ago. We are renovating and can not wait to be able to use it. It was a high of 14 degrees here last week, I am headed to the condo to see how it is coming along on Tuesday. It is expected to be 77 degrees, it is currently 25 degrees and windy at my house. We are blessed to have the best of both worlds, a rural home in the mountains, and an urban condo near the water. We rediscovered the condo when we had to fly to LA for a week when our daughter needed unexpected oral surgery her third week of college.

Hope everyone is enjoying thier time with thier kids.

 

[IDoDis]

SK!mom- we have been looking for about 10 years for a condo near the water. We looked in both Florida and California. We ended up buying one this October in a building we looked at 8 years ago. We are renovating and can not wait to be able to use it. It was a high of 14 degrees here last week, I am headed to the condo to see how it is coming along on Tuesday. It is expected to be 77 degrees, it is currently 25 degrees and windy at my house. We are blessed to have the best of both worlds, a rural home in the mountains, and an urban condo near the water. We rediscovered the condo when we had to fly to LA for a week when our daughter needed unexpected oral surgery her third week of college.

Hope everyone is enjoying thier time with thier kids.

Hmmm... And I might just take you up on your offer to stay at your CA condo with your sometime. Full disclosure here -- JeannieNM and I have become in-person friends after meeting on this thread. We had both used the same local independent photographer for senior photos that we figured out from our posts. We've had lunch several times and I've been up to her beautiful homes in the mountains. It's strange how the internet brings people together who live in the same area, but would never have ever met each other in person. So not only has this thread been great for support and fun to read, but it helped me make a wonderful in-person friend, as well! I'm thankful for my cyber college parent friends on here, too!

Best of luck to everyone's kids who are heading back to school next week!

 

[Bluestars]

How is everyone doing?

My son is back at school and likes all of his classes. He said that it looks like this semester will be easier as far as the Corps. Yay. So far, so good. I can't believe they are halfway through their freshman year!

Do your kids have any plans for spring break? I will be meeting my son in Washington DC.

 

[lvloopingbag]

No Disney for us for spring break......

DS is in a performance group that takes their show on the road over spring break. They will go to New York City, Washington DC, and then over to London, England......

 

[Bluestars]

No Disney for us for spring break......

DS is in a performance group that takes their show on the road over spring break. They will go to New York City, Washington DC, and then over to London, England......

That is exciting! What a great way for him to spend spring break.

 

[sk!mom]

I said that we had adjusted well to this stage of life...and then she left again. I was really in a funk the first part of this week-missing her. She left last Sunday morning and we were both all smiles. She was excited to get back to school and had plans scheduled with friends.

She texted me Monday afternoon, "It's harder transitioning this time."

We're both good now though. She started class on Tuesday and is back at work. She'll be home Friday for a funeral and will stay the weekend. I don't know when I'll see her after that. DH has a business rip near her next month so he's going to go over one day to help her finalize her apartment choice.

Spring Break is undecided. Her and her bf are trying to plan a trip. If that doesn't work out she'll probably come home.

 

[lvloopingbag]

That is exciting! What a great way for him to spend spring break.

I know! And the best part is it is on the group's dime, LOL!!!

 

[Bluestars]

I know! And the best part is it is on the group's dime, LOL!!!

Awesome!! I hope he has a wonderful time.

 

[bittybabygrower]

Missing my kiddo too! We had a good break and she was missing her friends at the end if the month.

She just found out that the marching band is going to Paris in May 2016! They will be celebrating the bands 50th anniversary! They are playing at the Effiel Tower, Normandy, and Disneyland Paris! She will be taking a study abroad class that helps cut the cost in half She will be there for 2 weeks total. There is a side trip to London on the bullet train planned. DH and I are hoping to be able to swing going. Good thing she is fluent in French!

Classes are going better but her ADD is kicking in with having 3 roommates. I can see she is becoming disorganized somewhat, she has a lot of distractions. I have been sending subtle hints to her, but she has to figure it out. It is hard and I do not want her to get into a bad place and start to struggle. Her schedule is also not as tight and she has more down time, which is bad for her, she gets a little too laid back and loses focus. Sigh.

She has springbreak the first week of March, and she is done May 1st. Hard to believe one semester is done!

 

[Bluestars]

I said that we had adjusted well to this stage of life...and then she left again. I was really in a funk the first part of this week-missing her. She left last Sunday morning and we were both all smiles. She was excited to get back to school and had plans scheduled with friends.

She texted me Monday afternoon, "It's harder transitioning this time."

We're both good now though. She started class on Tuesday and is back at work. She'll be home Friday for a funeral and will stay the weekend. I don't know when I'll see her after that. DH has a business rip near her next month so he's going to go over one day to help her finalize her apartment choice.

Spring Break is undecided. Her and her bf are trying to plan a trip. If that doesn't work out she'll probably come home.

My husband went through a funk too when our son headed back to college. My husband said that it was harder for him than the first time.

That's good that you will see her soon, but I am sorry about the circumstances.