While it may seem like you just helped your student move into a residence hall or apartment, spring move out is just around the corner. For many families the summer is a fun time to catch up on all the happenings and share how everyone is doing, and overall, spend time together with your student. For others, it may be a challenging time navigating the delicate dance of adulthood, as you discover how your student has grown as well as their new or modified expectations as they return home.
As you welcome your student home for the summer, here are a few things to consider as they transition back into your home.
• Remember that not only has your student changed over the past few months, but the family dynamic may have changed as well. You have become accustomed to differences at home – perhaps having fewer disruptions or responsibilities, having a quieter house or not having to share the car. Siblings have readjusted their place in the family as well. A younger sibling may now have moved to “oldest child” status or your student’s room may have been taken over by a younger sibling.
• Your student has been independent while at school. They have not had a curfew or had to report to anyone, have been free to sleep and eat whenever they wanted, come and go whenever they wanted, and do what they wanted. Reentering the family routines may feel restrictive and will require compromise on everyone’s part.
• Your student will probably come home exhausted from the last few weeks of classes and final exams. They may need to spend more time than usual catching up on sleep – and eating comfort food. Home is their place to relax right now and they may need significant down time before they are ready to socialize.
• Your student will want to catch up with their hometown friends. They are anxious to tell them about their new life and adventures and spend time reconnecting. Unfortunately, this may interfere with your plans to spend time together.
The family dynamic will likely be new and interesting when your student returns home for the semester break. Embrace this change and enjoy the time with your student as it will go by very quickly.