This is it, your big day has finally arrived. It is college move-in day! Maybe you are staying close to home in a dorm or moving out of state. Either way, leaving can be scary both for the kids (yes, you’re still a child) and the parents. This is a time of mixed emotions -- everyone is excited, but if all are honest, there’s a bit of nervousness too. As a child, you are leaving your parents for the first time. No more home-cooked meals or seeing your mom every day. As for your parents, there is nervousness on leaving their baby in a strange land filled with strangers and thoughts of who knows what will happen. They might start thinking if you will remember how to put away clothes or not to put tinfoil in a microwave. Whatever may be worrying you, just take a deep breathe. All will be well.

For the first-time freshmen moving in, thinking you might be too cool for school, stop now while you are still ahead and before somebody sees you. Take this advice to heart, this day may be about you making it to college, but it is also about your parents. Yeah, you did the hard brain work that led you to the success of getting into college. It will be you that continues to do that work in college, but do not forget that you’re a product of your parents’ hard work. If your mom or dad raised you, this is their accomplishment too. It was your parents that wiped away every tear, encouraged you to carry on, showed you love and support, and raised you to be the individual moving into that college dorm room. Your parents want to see you succeed.

This is a simple note to let you know that if your mom and dad want to help move you in, let them. Let your mom hang your clothes in your closet and make your bed. Go explore the rest of your campus with your parents. Let them take your picture, like they may have done when you were in elementary school. Let them do what may seem like little things to you, because to them, being a part of this day is huge. Not only are you starting a new chapter of your life, but so are they. Their baby is finally growing up and leaving them behind to pursue their dreams. Yeah, it might be annoying or embarrassing, but one day you will look back and miss those moments. For one last time, let them treat you like their baby, because in their eyes you will always be their baby, always.

When it comes time for your parents to leave, know it will be emotional. It will be OK, though, your mom will probably cry, and so might you. Give your parents the tightest hug and tell them, "thank you" and "I love you." Again, just breathe. All will be well. College will be some of the best years of your life. Just remember: call your mom and dad, send them text and updates (they like that), explore your city/town, get involved on campus right away, leave your door open (talk to people!), take trips with friends, but just remember to visit your parents!