Congratulations! A significant chapter has just ended in the life of your high school student, culminating with crossing the ceremonial stage and moving their tassel to the left. Now, they are laser-focused on the future. Although you may feel that you will see your student less and less while they are on their farewell tour with friends, it is essential to think about how you can create memorable moments with your student before they head off to college.
We asked Crystal Hamon – a mother of two Golden Flashes – for her insight.
1. Plan a calendar of events and “to-dos” together.
Celebrate the departure of your student by creating a calendar of events. Place important dates, deadlines, and to-dos on a calendar with your student’s name atop of it. That way, the entire family is up to date on the latest and can keep each other informed.
Some suggestions include:
- Graduation and celebration activities.
- Campus orientation.
- Family vacation.
- Important dates and deadlines (i.e., tuition payment).
- Move-in date.
- Parents and Families events (virtual engagement activities).
- Reminders (for yourself to double-check that nothing is missed or forgotten --).
2. Channel your student’s interior designer side.
Spend quality time together picking out décor and other fun items for their residence hall room. This can be a great bonding experience as you search for items for their new living space. Compile a list of must-have items, search Pinterest for room schemes, and head over to YouTube for inspiration. Also, consider reaching out and involving the other roommate to help facilitate a smooth transition. Involving the roommate and family members provides an excellent opportunity to get to know them and build a relationship long before move-in day.
If you are a student and are still searching for a roommate, please visit Kent State University’s Facebook pages. There, one can find valuable information about students searching for a roommate.
3. Provide them a taste of home to take with them
At some point throughout the semester, your student may experience a longing for the comforts of home. It may be a favorite pet, family time together, or a favorite park to relax. Devote time to taking photos of your student with their pet(s) and family or friends to post in their residence hall room or apartment. This way, they will always have a piece of home with them and something to look forward to once they return.
4. Preservation is Key
Have a fantastic redecorating idea for their bedroom or renovation now that they are in college? Place it on hold for the time being. Coming back to their room with items left the way they were once they departed will defuse any thoughts of possible separation anxiety. Have an open conversation about how they want to have their space taken care of in their absence so that it remains a spot of familiarity and comfort whenever they visit.
5. Cherish the time spent together
As reality starts to set in, you may feel a tendency to want to hold on tighter to your student. Cherish the time you have; however, find some balance in letting them explore their newfound sense of independence. This lends itself to many benefits, including promoting adaptability and resilience, along with boosting self-confidence. You may even surprise yourself and uncover something new about your student that brings a smile to your face and leaves you with an overwhelming sense of pride.
Yes, one chapter has closed. However, your student is on the horizon of many exciting explorations to come. So, relax, relate, breathe and remember your student’s farewell tour will end where it all began – at home.