<p>From the views and opinions of parents ( and I would really like to know as the daughter of a mother, father and FAMILY with high expectations) What do you expect from your son(s)/daughter(s) once they go off to college? What is it that you want them to accomplish? Is it to appreciate the quality of higher education, or having a "good time"? Is it "running with the crowd" or being true to themselves? If you knew what was REALLY going on once your children left home would you be disappointed or glad that your kids are finding their way in the world and making their own decisions/mistakes?</p>
<p>Feel free to be truthful and candid. I would really like to know.</p>
<p>Definately running with the crowd!! Just kidding. Find a passion and figure out how to turn that into a career that supports him. Make some excellent friends, Have some adventures including a study abroad, and then move back to within two hours of home after graduation. </p>
<p>My daughter tends to tell us about her adventures (oh, I've been tutoring at a juvenile detention center all semester! We drove 6 hours to a concert last night and then drove back!) after they are done. I don't worry and she has a good time, works for us. She's generally a sensible person, and I'm a worrier so this method is a smart one.</p>
<p>From my perspective (parent--oldest daughter is a high school junior), it's to learn to be independant. Obviously, the education is important, but what college did for me, more than anything else, was teach me how to live and survive without a "backstop", educate me to the consequences (good and bad) of the choices I made, and prepare me to be an adult. That's what I want for my kids.</p>
<p>All of the above. Education in the sense of learning in the classroom and laboratory obviously, but also the intangible life skills that may in fact come from "running with the crowd" sometimes. The ability to deal with people and circumstances is part of the development process--and that includes knowing when to switch positions and perspectives from soul-searching to reflective to superficial to frivolous. I believe I would be disappointed to learn more than I know about my children's day to day activities, but I think I am comfortable and sometimes even proud of the larger picture. I do hope they learned enough at home to avoid making major mistakes, though.</p>
<p>We expected my oldest dd to challenge herself, both academically and musically. We expected her to give back to her community, in paying jobs, volunteering and her sorority. And we expected her to stand strong in her Christian faith. She done all those things, and more. And I get to fly out and see her this week!</p>
<p>As my next one is headed to the Naval Academy, the goals for her first year might just be sheer survival... I know she will be challenged in every aspect of her life. We have faith that she will rise to the challenge.</p>
<p>I'm hoping my kid will grow up--do homework first, do his laundry, go to church, stay off the video games and away from alcohol & drugs and out of trouble, get involved in a couple social activities, make some good friends, have fun, stick it out through the bad times, give it his best effort, keep his grades up, graduate in 4 years, and get a job.</p>
<p>And come home during breaks expressing great appreciation for his wonderful parents and sibs.</p>
<p>I have no expectations, except that kindness and consideration be a part of everything accomplished. This is a time for growth, change, exploration, and yes, rock & roll. Whomever emerges from this process will be a person I love and will support (emotionally) whatever the choices made.</p>
<p>I've been telling my son that I am <em>not</em> paying for a four year lacrosse camp! Or a four year frat party either!</p>
<p>I hope that he will make great strides academically and develop a set of skills and accomplishments in the academic arena that will translate to the employment arena. </p>
<p>And that he will understand, relatively quickly, the value of the educational opportunity he has been offered, and take advantage of it. Because despite being recruited by one of the top lacrosse programs in the country, he will probably be going pro in something other than sports!</p>
<p>And ... when he comes home for weekends, to be considerate about the car use and the late nights and to volunteer to take out the garbage.</p>
<p>Live life to the fullest extent. It is most exciting time when you are not a child anymore but there is no adult responisbilities to overwhelm you. Choose you actions wisely but participate in every activity you might be interested. Find friends for life. Take classes out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to grow into best person you can be.
Does it seems like high standart? Do I expect my kid not to drink, smoke or have sex? Do I expect my child not to fail at something?
I know my work is done, my child is going to best college she could ever be part of. It is up to her now what she want to make out of her life. The only message I am planning to carry on- I will love her no matter how high or low she gets in her life.</p>
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<p>We expect them to take advantage of all their (very expensive) schools have to offer academically and socially.
Take challenging classes in any disciplines they find interesting, but make sure to graduate in 4 years.
Have fun without jeopardizing their health, safety and academic success.<<</p>
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<p>^^Exactly. All this plus call home every now and then and perhaps occasionally reply to an e-mail.</p>