My younger daughter goes off to college on August 20th. The assumption is that all parents these days will accompany their kids to campus, help them make their beds, drive them to Target to fill in the empty spaces and ensure ample creature comforts, and attend special "parent orientations."
In 1974, my parents waved goodbye at LaGuardia and I arrived in Ann Arbor solo, with a clumsy big trunk, a funky granny square afghan that I crocheted for myself, a bunch of jeans, tee shirts, boots, and a turntable and albums.
My daughter also already has new "friends" at school, thanks to the great connector that is Facebook. I needed to start from scratch, striking up conversations in my dorm, at class, and at parties.
Is this generation better off than mine? Are we giving our kids a sense of support, reassurance, and acceptance or are we destroying their spirit of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Only time will tell. But truthfully, I still like making my daughter's bed. And an iPod is much lighter than 100 vinyls!
Dorm room essentials, according to Real Simple
How to make a granny square (in case you're wondering)
Yes, the College Board even has a quiz to determine if you are a "helicopter parent!"
Here is my list for college students http://stacyknows.blogspot.com/2009/06/ten-things-you-need-for-college.html
Posted by: Stacyknows | August 10, 2010 at 07:17 AM