<p>My d is doing fine, I think. I am not sure I would know it other than by the tears or complaints, which my d has not shown.</p>
<p>Is it too early for kids to be missing home? too busy? just downright exhausted?</p>
<p>After first advisor-parent phone call, things at bs end seem to be going great. In true fashion my d is finishing homework and requesting to go to bed early. During drop-off many advisors mention a large problem in making sure kids get enough rest/sleep with the schedules during the day, co-cirr, clubs and a desire to hangout at night.</p>
<p>My d has never shown sighs of homesickness, but she is nowhere above getting it now.</p>
<p>I would love to hear from current new parents, old parents with experience and all students.</p>
<p>Thanks :-)</p>
<p>Am I secretly wanting some sighs that my loving D is missing me???</p>
<p>Interestingly, my d is having more homesickness this, her sophomore year. I’m not sure what that is all about? Less excitement and novelty to distract her this year, I suppose.</p>
<p>I am having trouble discerning what’s what. D is busy and sounds engaged, challenged and mostly happy. I am hearing from her less and less, but checking in with her advisors to make sure she is okay. I miss her so much I feel like I am listening for more than there is to communicate. I guess I have to wait and see how she feels when she comes home for the holidays. As happy for her as I am, this is harder than I thought it would be – for me :(</p>
<p>Huge homesickness last week, doing way better this week, but still not feeling completely there, if you know what I mean. I’m hoping he’s just going to go through it all earlier than everyone else!</p>
<p>JA–our sophomore D is also expressing missing home more this year. I attribute it mostly to maturity because 1) she is less afraid to say so, and 2) realizes the value of family (perhaps for first time) and we all had a very good fun summer together. And, of course, they are so bombarded as first year boarders, it is pretty hard to discern “missing home” from all the other displaced emotions. 1st time moms–it’s will be hard to tell when kids have a tough moment and your D/S is not likely to really say. We didn’t get the full poop until the following summer. WC–it does not get easier for parents . . . except at a few comforting moments: 1) when she comes home, time is great; 2) when you talk to other parents with teens and some of the challenges there, you again, feel great; 3) dropping off the second year was easier because you leave her with friends, familiarity, smiles–whereas that first time we left her was so very hard.</p>
<p>Many kids who don’t go through homesickness initially may go through it during the winter. Winter can be tough in BS - cabin fever sets in, friends made initially during the start of school start to change, etc. </p>
<p>I can also understand why students may have more feelings of sadness the second year. There is a lot of hoopla coming in as a new freshman. You’re low man on the totem pole but you also get some attention because of it. Everyone wants to check out the new kids and everything is new, sparkly and fresh to you. Second year - everything is old hat, you’re not a novelty anymore and the workload and expectations increase.</p>
<p>S is technically considered a “local boarder” e.g. within 100 miles, 1.5 hours from home. I know some CC parents frown upon such a close proximity, feeling that it doesn’t provide for the “true” boarding experience and that students will not develop the requisite independence level. I must say, however, the ability for him to say “I’m coming home” occasionally and hop on a train after classes has given him the opportunity, on more than one occasion, to recharge, read in peace and rest (and indulge in my great home cooking). Dorm life can be over-stimulating at times, especially living with 25 wild teenage guys.</p>
<p>nylecoj007 - shame on anyone who would frown upon being a boarder who is lucky enough to live close enough to school to go home occasionally away from breaks. Best of both worlds! Given the age of these kids, it’s the ideal situation. They’re still gaining plenty of independence vs. other 14/15/16/17 year olds. Mine does the same occasionally - especially for home cooking - often bringing friends home as well who definitely appreciate having a good meal and a different atmosphere as well.</p>
<p>Hey son, if you’re reading this, call me to say thanks for the packages at least. Hell, I’d be happy with a text that said “THX.” Could you find the time for that so that I know you haven’t lost all your manners at boarding school?</p>
<p>Neato-yet is right. I had to make the “ugly mommie e-mail” to say that we still exist and miss you—lol</p>
<p>I informed my d I would hold out on the funds. She e-mailed me to ask to get netflix–I said yes–of course.</p>
<p>I tend to get short sweet e-mail when I ask direct short questions. She somehow finds time to answer, in short terms; yes, no, I’ll think about it.</p>
<p>Netflix? She has time for Netflix? What kind of Boarding School did you send her too? lol!</p>
<p>You all make me laugh. Reading everyone else’s posts I feel like we’re all kindred spirits.</p>
<p>I’m down to one call a week and maybe a weekend Skype. My oldest had to warn her to call us today before we imploded so of course I get a text in the middle of a movie theater (yes - I was one of those obnoxious people who actually answered it, but only because my hubby and I let the oldest pick the movie and she picked - drumroll - Resident Evil - 3D/IMAX - sigh).</p>
<p>Homesickness - I sense a little. But she’s also loving the campus, the people, and the challenge. So I’m reconciled to having to find blackmail ways to get communication now that she’s settled into “the groove.” I like the debit card idea. She’s also addicted to certain brands of candy. Perhaps if I send a case locked with a combination that she can only get if she calls me . . . bwa ha ha!</p>
<p>(Neato. Got the new admit roster yesterday and saw your son’s name there. Proof he’s alive!)</p>
<p>As a mom who is hoping to get her son into a boarding school that is a great fit…researching, studying, watching way too many admission videos in search of that “special something”, all the while knowing I will be thrilled for my son if he gets in anywhere…I hope I am in your shoes, sharing a cup of internet tea within the next few years. </p>
<p>I guess it must be a right of passage, and in someways I think all the technology is a curse and blessing. It must be nice to know you are a “click away” from contacting your children, but at the same time wondering why they don’t respond sooner. I like the old style better, I think. A phone in the hallway and once a week connection. Painful and brutal, but keeps you from staring at your cell phones all the time. </p>
<p>It is nice to hear that the faculty does keep in check with parents regarding adjustment issues and addressing them right away…</p>
<p>Of course, all easier said then done from a parent who is not there, yet:)</p>
<p>My daughter calls every night, just about—just because she likes to. Sounds great, right? Except when we talk to her at 11:30 pm and find out that as soon as she writes an English essay and studies her science she will go to bed! (And she hasn’t been goofing off before that!) My kid works hard, I’m sure many are in the same boat.</p>
<p>Each school has its own bedtime policy. At Andover, it is lights out at 11 pm for 9th graders (which I as a parent thought was great), but 10th grade and up can stay up as late as they choose. Some kids probably do better with a little less freedom, but my night owl likes the flexibility.</p>
<p>my D was very busy at first 2 weeks and was under great pressure in her math class.
After first test, she felt she can handle it now though some of her classmates dropped to lower level.
Once she get used to her schedule after 3 weeks, she said she is tire of cafeteria’s food and miss her mom’s cooking. I can sense she has a little bit homesick.</p>