I know that this thread should technically should just be for parents as it is under “Prep School Parents” ;)) but I really wanted to just say something. Your kids are going to have the time of their lives. Boarding school can be hard at times (on both the student and parents) but the amazing and joyous times far outweigh the hard ones: you are giving your children an incredibly opportunity and sacrificing having them in your house for the rest of high school so that they can venture out and experience things that they would never be able to at home. They are going to have so much fun a fun develop as a person and student. Know that the sacrifice you are making is going to venefit them so much. The first week can be hard while both of you adjust, but over time it gets easier and pretty soon you will be getting positive phone calls and texts from your kid who tells you about school and how much fun they ar shaving. That being said, I can admit to calling my mom a few times this year in tears over academic stress, but I think of that compared to all of the times where I have felt so supported and overjoyed to be at such an amazing school. Boarding schools offer incredible support networks that are made up of teachers, coaches, advisors, dorm parents, and great friends. Your child will have an amazing group of people to turn to and will be supported. Just know, that coming from a student, I cannot thank my parents wrought for the sacrifice they made and love school. Your hold will have good and bad times (everybody does) but they will have some of best times of lives and love you very much <3
@sadieshadow As far as watches go, my son has a Garmin that a friend’s dad gave to him. He uses it for his XC workouts, races etc. I will say, he does not really care what others are doing/wearing, though, and marches to the beat of his own drum. @CTMom21 my son checks in on Tuesday, so we are leaving tomorrow loaded down…today is reserved for last minute laundry and haircut…how he’s going to make it until Thanksgiving is a mystery :-S I think most if the actual packing is done…just the road trip items are left. @CaliPops you may end up on a flight with my DH & DD, we have to pick them up at the airport this weekend! If so, y’all can celebrate/numb the pain together! Safe travels to all!!!
I’m not prepared to leave at all
DS wears a watch – a Timex or something that he wanted for camp, and he’s been wearing it ever since, including in the ocean. Given that he has lost past watches (and even lost a pair of glasses sailing this summer (!)), there are no fancy watches in his future.
@buuzn03 and everyone else traveling – safe travels! Dress warm – it’s chilly in New England this week!
@CTMom21 :(( I hate cold weather!!
Good luck to all of you! My advice (not requested, but this is CC, after all!) is to do everything you can to make the move-in easy as you’ll be feeling more than enough stress and other emotions. Who wants to be worrying about whether you remembered the soccer cleats or where the pillows are… Make the list, check it twice, and know where everything is. This part is pure logistics.
Have a nice and fun dinner the evening before and say what you want to then --just in the case the words get stuck on move in day. And remember that while your kids are probably more excited than scared, you’ll only worry yourself that you’ve freaked them out if you have an @GoatMama moment. (Gotta say, that post really made me smile because I have a vision of you as very much in control. Which is maybe why everyone remembers the meltdown, not the cause??)
Your kids will soar. And you’ll be fine too… The adventure is only beginning!
Your kids will soar… But that moment when you have to say goodbye and have to leave them there. And the first time you walk by their bedroom at home and know they will not be back anytime soon. Prepare yourself for those moments. They are not easy.
And remember, that if you did forget something, everything can be ordered and shipped. No use stressing out about the process. My unsolicited two cents…
Have fun everyone and best in the coming year of change!
(I was able to hold back tears until getting to the toll booth about 10 miles from campus. The toll booth attendant probably thought I was a basket case {Iwas}. )
I’ve been talking to several parents of new students today to answer questions about move-in day, packing/shipping, winter, etc., and every time I’ve had to check myself from inviting them to join CC!! ;
This forum is such a tremendous resource for information, insights, support, and even beating the BS blues when necessary. Gratitude to everyone sticking around to serve the new BS families long after you and your kids have completed this leg of your journey!
The truck is packed. My daughters leave for Exeter tomorrow. The house feels different already. Sigh.
Well, the rental SUV we ordered turned into a minivan, so DS and I are touring the nation fully-loaded swagger-wagon style :ar! ETD = T - 55 minutes!
I have had literally three different parents ask me what they should be dressing like for their kids’ drop off days! Not on here of course. So, thank you to the parents of the class of 2021 o CC for understanding what MOVING STUFF means. Unreal! Best to you all and to your kids as you start these years ahead.
I’m headed to the beach after. I’m guessing showing up in my bikini would be frowned upon :))
I’d be mighty impressed @momof3swimmers!!
If move in day were today, I’d be wearing my parka. It’s freezing.
I would prefer that to the 86 degree weather currently forecast for our drop off. Yuk.
Was not bikini weather today. Sadly I couldn’t embarrass SwimKid.
Dropping him off today was both the easiest and the hardest thing I have ever done. Threw a couple couple bags in his preseason dorm and planned to head over to the bookstore as a family. As we walked out there were a couple other swim kids who were all excited to see him. I looked at him and knew he wanted the chance to hang out so I quietly asked and he gave me the nod. A quick hug and kiss for all (except swim kid 3 needed multiple) and that was it.
SwimKid2 has cried a couple times today. That is the hardest part. Then I start questioning what the heck we are doing. But then I remember we are all doing a very selfless thing. I’m sure you will all be feeling the same way over the next few days. Hang in there everyone.
This dropping-a-kid-off thing isn’t getting any easier no matter what. Hugs to all.
DS was up all night vomiting, literally all night. Third night of our 4 day, 2700 mile trip. Luckily, today was only a 400 mile trek, not another 950 mile day. This kid hasn’t been sick since he was 7… :-& Oh well, the show must go on…if you are on MassPike & see a loaded down car pulled over with a teenage boy hovered over the grass…it’s us.
@momof3swimmers, that really got me! We do our preseason drop off on Tuesday, and I have no idea how I will react. I have been distracting myself with organizing and to-do lists (today is the absolute last day of shopping and errands). @buuzn03, poor kid! That stinks. At least you are in the home stretch if you’re on the Mass Pike. My kid was supposed to be working all last week – volunteer work at his previous school – and getting in some soccer practices and workouts, but instead he had an awful cold/flu and slept for about 3.5 days solid. Oh well. I guess it’s better this week than during preseason week. I am ready to get on with things, but I’m also silently freaking out a little.
Best wishes to all!