<p>Thanks to everyone for the great advice and sympathetic ear (eyes??). I’m happy to say we Skyped with our daughter for the first time this a.m. and she seemed a little better. Not great, but better. I thinks she is sticking with sorority rush for now though she isn’t a fan of the whole process. It does seem pretty intense but arguably a good way to meet other girls. For anyone else in this parent’s boat, I’m reading a very helpful book "The Happiest Kid on Campus - A Parent’s Guide to the Very Best College Experience (for You and YOur Child) by Harlan Cohen. Lots of good points!</p>
<p>Sounds familiar, OP, and I’m glad to hear she sounds a bit better. Baby steps! </p>
<p>The best advice I can offer you is: Be her rock. Don’t let her see your own doubt and distress. Use your best acting skills when you talk to her; be sympathetic and understanding, but don’t let her drag you into the abyss with her (or don’t let her know that she is, anyway). Send the calm, consistent message that you believe in her. </p>
<p>Big hugs to you! I went through this 3 years ago, and it’s awful.</p>
<p>“Bottom line, when college is over she will wish she could go back to the best 4 years of her life and do it again. Most likely the best friends she will ever have in her lifetime she will soon be meeting. The most fun she will ever have could happen at any moment.”</p>
<p>Or it could end up being the worst time of your life and you continue to get nightmares about it years later.</p>
<p>I don’t know at what point you should get out if it’s just a miserable experience, but I think you should to it for at least a semester. Maybe a year?</p>
<p>I remember that by the time I was finally finished, it felt like I was getting out of prison. I would have done it quite differently if I had to do it again.</p>
<p>Not to high jack this thread, but we dropped our freshman son off Sunday. it was very difficult for all of us to part… he is our only child. Son just started getting engaged about college last week…I guess better late than never! But really, he has not wanted to think or talk about leaving home all summer long, although he chose a college out of state but not too far from home. I texted him sunday night, and we have called a couple of times since than to offer encouragement etc. But still no word from him. Should I be concerned or is he not calling because it would be difficult for him? He is quite outgoing, so I am not worried on that front…I just miss him!!</p>
<p>Scooter - our DS has difficulty with transitions and finds it easier not to be in close touch. I think talking to us makes him sadder sometimes. He just started soph year and we have not heard from him since Fri and don’t expect to for a while. I send him light/funny texts every couple days. Nothing in return but that’s fine too. All best</p>
<p>Hi, our oldest had some rough times during the first 6 weeks for various reasons, and I was constantly getting the distress texts about how awful everything was. That was excruciating for me to hear, 3,000 miles away. What I came to realize, however, was that not everything sucked for her, I just was hearing ONLY about her misery!</p>
<p>See if there are things that are going well. Make her tell you about one GOOD thing that has happened for every bad. I bet there are some good moments, and you deserve to know about those, too!</p>
<p>Hopefully she’ll find “her people” soon ( you only need one or 2!) it things will improve rapidly.</p>
<p>Best of luck to all of you.</p>