Students Coming Home for Winter Break
The adjustment when a college student comes home for winter break often comes as a surprise to parents who don’t know what to expect. Accustomed to living on their own and following their own schedules, many students struggle with moving back home — even just for the break. By opening the lines of communication and creating clear expectations, you will make your student’s return home from UW–Madison the enjoyable and rewarding experience that it should be.
Here's the Scoop!
The Parent Program welcomed 300 parents and students to an ice cream social at the Pyle Center on November 4. During the event, part of Parents’ Weekend, parents met other parents, students, and university staff members while sampling Mad Grad Medley and Badger Blast ice cream flavors from the Babcock Hall Dairy Plant.
So, what can you expect?
- Students will be recovering from the physical and mental strains of finals week. Don’t be alarmed if your student’s top priority is to sleep.
- Catching up with high school friends may be at the top of your student’s to-do list. This is a healthy response and can affirm his or her ability to maintain long-distance friendships
- Schedule time with your student to make sure that activities that are important to you aren’t lost in the shuffle
- Have a conversation with your student about expectations for schedules, housework, and behavior during the month. Decide whether all of the original rules of the house still apply, and also consider some extra flexibility to take into account your student’s newfound independence and autonomy
- Discuss first-semester academic performance with your student. Remember that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) stipulates that students maintain formal control over their educational records, including their final semester grades. Parents may not review the records unless their student grants approval in writing. The best way to find out about final grades is to ask your student
- Some students may consider leaving the university after a difficult semester. Parents can play a key role with such a critical decision by helping the student evaluate his or her options while deciding whether staying or moving on is the right decision
- Don’t be surprised to hear your son or daughter refer to Madison as “home” or discuss viewpoints or values that may be unfamiliar.
Advice from Students
“Keep in mind your student has been independent for three months. Do not treat him or her like a high school student with early curfews and strict house rules. We can still communicate about expectations, but realize we are young adults now.”
—Leah, sophomore
“Don’t be offended if your student is excited to return to Madison. It is not a reflection of not wanting to be home, but rather that he or she is adjusting well. It’s a good thing!”
—Abrianna, senior
“Don’t bombard your student with a million questions about college life and Madison immediately when he or she gets home. Give your student time to rest and relax. You have all month to ask questions.”
—Nate, senior