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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: December 3, 2009
Georgia Tech Counseling Center
As much as the winter holiday break is anticipated as a time of much needed rest and rejuvenation, it can also be a time that brings stress and apprehension for students and their parents. This holiday period is the first extended time that students and their families spend together after the student has left home for college. In some families, this is a time that students and parents experience power struggles. There can be stress associated with differing expectations over how time will be spent, with whom, curfews, chores, punishment, overnight guests, changing views and the like. Students are returning home to childhood beds, home cooking, and parental rules after having a great deal of autonomy and a taste of adulthood. Students may be coping with many changes during their early years of college; family patterns may have changed while they were away. Single parents may have begun dating, once married parents may have divorced, parents may have become more involved in their careers or other activities, and friends may have changed or moved. In short, the dynamics of the child-to-parent relationship are shifting.
However, these dynamics can be negotiated respectfully and are not necessarily a source of difficulty. Families that have managed a peaceful transition during the college years provide some of the following tips for enjoying your college studentâs visit home for the holidays:
Plan Ahead: Realize that your student has just finished final exams and is in need of some rest and rejuvenation. Chores, dental appointments, auto repair, or visits with relatives can be managed when you encourage your student to plan the tasks and visits. This shows respect for your studentâs time and helps your student develop a sense of ownership in the activities.
Compromise: Realize that your student may want time to visit friends and that a balance between family time and friend time can be achieved. It is not unreasonable to expect your student to participate in family activities and traditions. However, they should get some freedom to negotiate some time for rest, friends, and independent fun as well.
Discuss House Rules: Make sure all parties are clear on curfews, chores, punishments, sleepovers, and if there are any changes in previously existing house rules.
Discuss Expectations of Grades: It is advised for students and parents to discuss final grades in advance of the holiday break - especially if grades will fall short of expectations. It is also very helpful for parents and students to agree to times that are âoff limitsâ in regards to discussing difficult or stressful topics such as grades or changing a major. This will give your student âsafe timesâ they can relax with you at home.
Remember that college is a time when students are developmentally expected to explore the values and views with which they were raised and to discern the principles they will hold as well as the ones they will change. Be prepared to discuss these ideas during the holiday visit. It is a normal process as your student moves from adolescence to adulthood.
For more information, visit the Georgia tech Counseling Web site www.counseling.gatech.edu.
