For many parents, this is the first extended period of time when you and your college kids will be together since they left for college in August.
They will arrive home exhausted from finals, stressed out about grades and money, and experiencing some mixed emotions about their winter break with the family.
More than likely, your expectations for the holidays are not the same as theirs.
Once they have settled into their old rooms and gotten enough sleep, they will be anxious to take off and catch up with their old friends, and maybe even some new ones they've met in college.
You may have other ideas.
You didn't expect their schedules to be so chaotic, you spend every day restocking the house with food, and you're ready for them to sit down and spend some "quality time" with you.
What does a parent do? Here are a few tips to make this challenging time enjoyable for everyone: 1.
Face the fact that holidays are stressful and don't count on things going perfectly.
Let your kids know that you are excited to have them home and that you really want them to enjoy their time while they are there.
2.
Ask your kids about their semester and show an interest in their college life so that grades are not the only area about which you appear to care.
Ask questions that don't have yes or no answers and don't sound like you are interrogating them.
3.
Tell your kids that you respect their new independence and you wouldn't want it any other way.
Explain, however, that with independence comes responsibility and you hope to see that at home and when they are away.
4.
Talk about family rules that you have always had, but discuss them calmly and be willing to compromise a little.
Tell them that you would like to know about their plans so that you don't schedule something that might conflict.
Let them know that you expect them to respond to their cell phones if you find it necessary to text or call.
5.
Deal with the messy rooms, sleeping till noon, and the frenzy of friends in and out.
Suggest a movie, lunch, or other activity that they might enjoy doing with you.
Relax a little and remember the holiday break will only last for a few short weeks.
Before long, they'll be back in school.
Of course, this is not the way you want to live all the time, but sometimes for the sake of harmony it is best to let some things go.
Your college kids will appreciate it and be eager to come home for their next vacation.
They will arrive home exhausted from finals, stressed out about grades and money, and experiencing some mixed emotions about their winter break with the family.
More than likely, your expectations for the holidays are not the same as theirs.
Once they have settled into their old rooms and gotten enough sleep, they will be anxious to take off and catch up with their old friends, and maybe even some new ones they've met in college.
You may have other ideas.
You didn't expect their schedules to be so chaotic, you spend every day restocking the house with food, and you're ready for them to sit down and spend some "quality time" with you.
What does a parent do? Here are a few tips to make this challenging time enjoyable for everyone: 1.
Face the fact that holidays are stressful and don't count on things going perfectly.
Let your kids know that you are excited to have them home and that you really want them to enjoy their time while they are there.
2.
Ask your kids about their semester and show an interest in their college life so that grades are not the only area about which you appear to care.
Ask questions that don't have yes or no answers and don't sound like you are interrogating them.
3.
Tell your kids that you respect their new independence and you wouldn't want it any other way.
Explain, however, that with independence comes responsibility and you hope to see that at home and when they are away.
4.
Talk about family rules that you have always had, but discuss them calmly and be willing to compromise a little.
Tell them that you would like to know about their plans so that you don't schedule something that might conflict.
Let them know that you expect them to respond to their cell phones if you find it necessary to text or call.
5.
Deal with the messy rooms, sleeping till noon, and the frenzy of friends in and out.
Suggest a movie, lunch, or other activity that they might enjoy doing with you.
Relax a little and remember the holiday break will only last for a few short weeks.
Before long, they'll be back in school.
Of course, this is not the way you want to live all the time, but sometimes for the sake of harmony it is best to let some things go.
Your college kids will appreciate it and be eager to come home for their next vacation.
Source...