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Handling College Drop-Off Without Breaking Down
It’s that time of year again! College freshman are packing their bags, while parents across the country are trying to figure out how they are going to get through drop-off day.
Preparing for the Big Goodbye
It’s the moment your family has been anxiously preparing for (and dreading) the day your child starts college. No matter what, drop-off day will be emotional. Here are some strategies for making the goodbye a little less painful:
- Be prepared: Letting go is going to be different than you expected and more emotionally charged. So recognize your feelings and sort out your emotions before the big departure.
- Have significant conversations before drop-off: Don’t count on being able to have a momentous goodbye once you pull up to school. The day will be hectic and stressful; not the best time to air concerns. Instead, have the last big conversation to discuss the areas that could become topics of contention a few days before leaving home. A prior talk will let you and your child focus on move-in day and have a more positive departure.
- Simplify the move: Don’t embarrass your child by pulling up in a moving van. Think of boxes that are easy to pack. Bring a few things in a box you know your kid will not have packed: first aid kit, a just in case phone card and a surprise batch of their favorite snack and/or cookies.
- Take your child’s lead: Don’t come with set expectations. Your role that day is to support your child.
- Locate essential places: Help your child find the pharmacy for prescription refills, the bank and dorm Residential Assistant.
- Don’t get too involved in the roommate scene: Introduce yourself and then lay low. If you don’t like the roommate, keep a poker face. Let your child be the one to voice concerns, not you.
- Don’t be too quick to fix things: Use the day to switch your role from micromanager to mentor.
- Think about your parting message: Stay as composed as possible. Your child needs to know you’ll be ok without him or her. The final words between you and your child are key. If you can’t express yourself, write your thoughts down and mail the letter to your child immediately after you arrive home.
- Take a second to glance one final time: Recognize who your child has become.
Experts say that most public displays of bad behavior at the big drop-off are likely to be exhibited not by the kids, but their parents.
Coping With the Empty Nest
Technology is making it easier than ever to stay in touch with your student, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to have the goodbye blues. Some ways to cope with an empty nest are:
- Arm yourself with information: Know what courses your child is taking. Familiarize yourself with the school’s website.
- Be there to listen to your child
- Find a creative outlet—it’s great way to help channel your feelings
- Make wellness a goal—get enough sleep and exercise
It’s important to recognize that your feelings of sadness are normal. Try to focus on positive things. You gave your child the tools to handle whatever comes their way!
What IAA has to Say
Insurance Administrator of America wants you to be prepared to say goodbye to your college bound student. It is an exciting time for everyone in the family! While the day may be emotional, IAA knows you can handle it.
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