First Year: Coming Home for Winter Break
The adjustment needed when a college student returns home for winter break often surprises parents who don’t know what to expect. Accustomed to living on their own and following their own schedules, many students struggle with coming home — even just for the break. By opening the lines of communication and creating clear expectations, you will make your student’s return the enjoyable and rewarding experience that it should be.
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 in 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
“Try to get on the same page with your student when it comes to expectations and house rules to avoid misunderstandings. They’ve been used to living on their own.”
—Nate
“Students who have not been home much during the semester (or even at all) might be bringing home some new academic interests, personal discoveries, or different hobbies and habits that you have not seen before. Be open and welcoming to these possible changes, and let your student know that he or she has your constant support, no matter what!”
—Erin
“Try not to overwhelm your student when he or she first arrives home for break. With the stress of finals finally being over, your student will want to relax for a few days. You have all month to ask questions.”
—Abby