Whether your student plans to live at home, ten minutes away, or ten hours away during college, the routine during a break will be different.
It’s time to start thinking about how you can support your student during a break from classes while also communicating expectations for their time at home. Typically, your student can expect a Thanksgiving, winter, spring, and summer break (if they choose not to take summer classes). To provide support and avoid frustration on both sides, below are a few things to consider as you approach a break.
Communicate expectations.
Understandably, your student will likely be exhausted when they have some downtime from coursework. They are probably running on fumes during the semester, trying to get it all done. So, when they are on a holiday or semester break, they might plan to sleep… A LOT!
On the other hand, you might have 15 things planned to make the most of the time with your student. Unmet expectations can cause frustration, so I encourage you to take the time to talk through expectations.
Are there one or two of the 15 things you would like your student to participate in? Does your student expect to sleep in until 9:00 a.m. each day, so they do not want to take part in anything before 9:00 a.m.? Talk about it! There will likely need to be give-and-take on both sides, but having a conversation early in the break can alleviate tension moving forward.
Be intentional with your free time.
If you get some time off work during your student’s break, consider how to make the most of your time together. Perhaps you can plan to eat one meal together as a family each day. Or, if it’s financially feasible to take a trip together for a few days, then everyone can be on a break from everyday responsibilities. If a trip is not an option, then mutually deciding on a full-day or half-day experience could provide a brief escape from reality together.
Remember, your student has experienced more freedom and autonomy during college than in the past.
Since starting college, your student has had a lot of independence, so they might expect to be able to do what they want when they want, while at home during a break. If you anticipate they will help with chores around the house, then be sure to discuss this early in the break. They may be more independent, but that does not exempt them from contributing to household routines.
It’s important to remember the times your student will be home for breaks are limited. They might be home all week during their first spring break, but they might be gone on a trip with friends during their remaining spring breaks. Enjoy your time with your student, and support their rest and recovery while maintaining appropriate expectations.
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