For any college student finding it weird to adjust to being back home for summer, back where you grew up and then left, you are not alone. A week ago, you were on your own, not having to tell anyone what your plans were, and able to come and go as you please but now it may be different. Yes, you are an adult now and can make your own rules and be your own boss but keep in mind that the people you are coming to, your parents, still need to be treated with the same respect, if not more, than before you left for school.
Now, parents, with that being said, you also need to help with this transition by giving more freedom if you haven’t in the past, there is no way you and your child’s relationship is going to be a strong one if you cannot come to some kind of agreement while they are home.
Here are some things that you can do if you are worried, struggling, or are clueless about how welcoming them back home is going to go.
1. Go over some ground rules.
parents, you have to take into consideration that you student has just been on their own for the better part of 9 months. Give them some reasonable rules, maybe a "curfew" that is just calling and checking in instead of a set time to come home. Not only will this alleviate any arguments over this, but also show them that you trust them to make the right decisions on when they come and go.
2. Be mindful of other people living in the house.
With that being said, coming home at 2 a.m. and waking everyone up is probably not being very mindful nor respectful of people who have work in the morning. Just because you are on summer vacation does not mean everyone can sleep until noon every day.
3. Help with housework.
You may not have had to clean your apartment every day (or ever) but it would be nice to straighten up the house, do the dishes, start a load of laundry, or vacuum the rugs while your parents are at work. Not only will this ease the workload that they have when they come home from a long day at work but, it will also show them that you are making an effort to help them.
4. If you have younger siblings, offer to help with transporting.
Waking up at 6:50 a.m. is not ideal to drop someone off at the bus stop but, it may help your parents, so it is something to consider. Also, if they have afternoon sports after school it would be nice if you would at least offer to take them, this again is showing that you are trying to be helpful.
These are just a few things that can be done to help your family, and help you not have such an argumentative summer. Avoid the arguments, enjoy the sun, and BE HELPFUL! I am sure your parents will appreciate it more than you know.
Good luck, be safe, and have a happy summer!
