Dear Parents,

Just last week you probably made the drive to your son or daughter's school with your car emptied and the seats down ready to pack it full, maybe even overflowing, and bring your now sophomore home for the next few months. This is a very exciting and challenging transition both for you and your student. Even if you went to college, it is extremely different now than when you attended your alma mater. With wireless campuses, a large variety of majors, and paint parties, it's safe to say that we are not having the same experiences, although they may be similar. It is very important to recognize the differences between college and home life.

After unloading the car and unpacking the mounds of clothing, its time to have a conversation that is often overlooked. Some families never have it, causing debates, arguments, misunderstandings, and maybe even breakdowns. Why not avoid all of this and just have a half hour chat? Your son or daughter was just living on their own for the first time. They ate what they wanted, they stayed out way later than you can imagine, and they had to use their own judgement with the values and morals you instilled in them.

Have some faith in your kid, but also that you did a good job too! Discuss curfews. It is better to be preventative than to stay up all hours worrying. Try to compromise and ask what your teen thinks is fair. We value respect, just like you do. Determine schedules and car-sharing. Pretty much everything we need is within walking distance when we are at school. Going to chill with friends while younger siblings need to get to practice, could pose some problems that are not always at the forefront of our minds. Most importantly, keep the channels of communication OPEN! Coming home is a respite and very exciting to catch up with high school friends and family, but also a complete 180 from college and from life. Let a few things slide. Maybe we won't remember to do some chores or pick up after ourselves. Honestly, its nice to be able to leave a few things lying around. We have more space at home than half of a dingy dorm. BUT, don't let everything go! We do need to keep up with our responsibilities and contribute to the house duties, were still a part of the family even though we are gone for eight months of the year.

Please be patient with us while our hands are and eyes are glued to the phone, and we only want to hangout with our friends. Gently bring us back down to the reality of home.

Love,

Your Sophomore Children