<p>(Directed more towards the students and not the parents) Just an opinion based on my personal experience. When I left home at 17 years old; back in 1979; I wanted it to be on my own also. I didn't think about how it would affect my parents, just that I was ready to leave. I knew they couldn't go all the way with me anyway because I lived on the east coast and the Air Force was pretty far away. But, I didn't even let my parents take me to the airport. I had them take me to the train station near home and we said our good-byes. The train took me to the airport and I flew out. I didn't think much of it.</p>
<p>When I came home the first time; Christmas; I found out from my dad how hard it was on my mom that day. Thinking back, I should have at least let them drive me to the airport. At lease let the process of leaving involve them a little more. If it's not practical for the parents to follow you all the way to the academy you are attending, at least get them very involved in your leaving. Let them stay with you as far as possible. e.g. to the airport. The final week or so prior to your leaving, make sure you let your parents know how much you love them and that you really do appreciate everything they have done for you the last 17-18 years. (Including DAD. Many guys have this TOUGH non emotional macho attitude, but they do want and NEED to hear this too.) Let them know that you will miss them. let them know that you hope they can visit when possible and that you look forward to when you get to come home and visit.</p>
<p>Too many feelings and emotions are kept inside with the premise that both sides "Knows how the other one feels". While this is basically true, parents really do need to hear it from you. Now 30 years later, and preparing for my son to leave for the Air Force Academy in June, I really DO understand the feelings that I have but didn't know MY parents had. One thing you will learn, especially if you stay in the military as a career, is how short life really is. Never miss an opportunity to let those you love such as your parents and family know how you feel. Hard to explain, just trust me on this one.</p>
<p>If you and your parents have the financial means and/or convenience of being close to the academy where driving is an option, then by all means allow your parents to accompany you if they want to. Some parents might think it will be too difficult for them and not want to come, but if you can get them to go, then do it. It may seem difficult and emotional but both you and your parents need closure. Not closure as in never seeing you again, but closure as in you are no longer going to be 100% dependent on them. Them knowing that you are in good hands and will be safe and taken care of. That you are confident and secure with moving on with your life. If the parents CAN go and they don't; because you didn't want them to or they didn't want to go; both of you WILL regret it in the future. Again, only if it's practical. Parents shouldn't spend $2000 and time off of work to fly to New York, Maryland, or Colorado Springs unless they really can afford it.</p>
<p>This transition in your lives, and those of your parents, are quite unique compared to a normal college. A normal college allows basically 4 years of gradual independence for the student and the parent. At the academy, it's pretty immediate. You're not going to be calling home for advice about classes or the military. When you come home at Christmas your first semester, you and your parents are going to notice one hell of a change. Your attitude, confidence, maturity, independence, etc... You will see it when you see some high school friends over the christmas break. Your parents will "JUST SEE IT". Again, hard to explain, just trust me on this one.</p>
<p>Anyway, that's my $0.02. Some may not agree, and that's fine. Some may have a certain relationship where leaving immediately and alone is what they really need to do. Whatever your background and relationships are with your parents, just try to consider all sides of this. Again, this is mostly for the students/appointees. If the parents reading this can apply some of it to them and their kid, then that's cool. Obviously, it's up to the kid. My son wanted to know why I couldn't take him to the airport (5 minutes away) and see him off there. I told him; we are only 2 hours from the academy; we WILL take him there; and he WILL LIKE IT! LOL!!!! Actually, I explained basically what I just wrote here and he understands. He realizes that it's NOT JUST ABOUT HIM. Anyway, good luck to everyone.</p>