*Summer requires an adjustment for everyone involved, whether your students is moving home after being away at school or she’s just going to be around more when classes end. Consider talking about a few things upfront to make the transition smoother.
Expectations. Students often return home after experiencing a year of independence and self-responsibility. So, be sure to discuss everyone’s expectations for behavior, curfews and more right off the bat. Don’t talk “at” your student, instead, talk with her as you come to a mutual understanding about how the summer will go.
Finances. Does your student have a clear understanding regarding how much money he needs to save up this summer? Have you discussed things like spending money, work expectations and more? Having this proactive discussion in May is much better than reacting poorly in August.
Family Responsibilities. Incorporating your student back into the everyday flow of your family’s life may involve some growing pains. What chores will she pick up? What obligations are in place that she should plan for (i.e. the July family reunion, the June graduation party)?
Shared Space. Living under the same roof for the summer can be a wonderful time of connection. Yet, it’ll take some work and, likely, some compromise. What does this mean when it comes to stuff, laundry, meals, noise and more? Talk about it now.
Having your student home for the summer can be a wonderful thing, as long as you work out some possible kinks before they grow into big problems. So, gather around the kitchen table to talk through this transition now and make it a pleasant summer for all.
Visitors. Students get used to making their own decisions about who will come to visit and how long they can stay. Yet, when living with the family again, these decisions need to be made collectively, so as not to disrupt anyone. Let your student know that you welcome visits from her friends, as long as you have advanced warning. Discuss parameters while also encouraging her to keep up those important college friend connections.
*All information was taken from The Campus Link: A Newsletter for Parents and Families (May 2013), p. 1