The days are warming up and your student is counting down until summer break begins.

Transitioning your student back into home may require some planning and conversation to ensure that each of you have enjoyable coexistence.  Your student has discovered a new found freedom and since of independent responsibility while away at school. Establishing a plan of action, instead of reaction, is the key to a successful summer

Topics to discuss:

•Curfews. Are there curfews? Often curfews are intended not only as a restrictive element based on the maturity of the individual but they may be necessary to allow optimal health of the entire family. A family member stumbling in the house at three a.m. is often not a restful night sleep for anyone. A student not accustomed to curfews for many months will have issues. Discuss them thoroughly and come up with a compromise that works for everyone’s benefit.

•Summer jobs and finances. Is your student expected to contribute to their school bills or their lifestyle needs? How much should be budgeted for summer fun and how much needs to be set aside for the upcoming school year? This is very important to discuss before your student announces they are taking a summer trip to the coast with their months of savings.

•Household chores and family responsibility. Is your student expected to participate in family chores or assist with transporting siblings? If you have no expectations for participation in routine family schedules then a family member who comes in at four a.m. and sleeps until five p.m. may not be a problem. However, if you come home from work and are internalizing irritation at the sink full of dirty dishes and the overflowing trash, eventually that irritation is going to show and perhaps not in the most construction way for either you or your student.

•Communication. What are reasonable and minimal communication expectations? Do you want to know where your family member is at all times? Is it necessary to know if they will be home for dinner? Do you expect a check in before you go to bed?

Do yourself and your student a favor. Sit down to discuss the plans for summer. This will ensure you all have a satisfying and productive few months.

 

Adapted from www.collegetipsforparents.org