Money seems to be flying out the door left and right - has anyone gone to this as a parent and is it worth the extra $220??? I don’t want to pay to go to a rah-rah session, we are great, your money is well-spent - if it is actually useful info, then okay, maybe …seems like a lot for “orientation materials” and “program meals”
need an asap reply, please
Full disclosure, I attended DD14’s (2014) and will be attending again in June for DS17.
Feel free to skip it. I get the sense that the primary goal of the “parent” track is to separate us from the kids, so the helicopter parents don’t get in the way of advising, etc. They do try to make it useful/informative for parents, and you will get to see your child a few times during the day, but it’s not a must do.
I attend because I like hanging out on campus (Alumni) and checking in with my daughter/son a few times during the day (and giving them someone to bounce ideas off before they select classes). It can also be helpful if you need to setup a bank account or want to check out the food/meal plans. I’ll end up passing on much of the 2nd day activities (campus and bus tours) and either catch up on work or do some shopping (I can never have enough Gator gear).
EDIT:I wonder if I can find a nice spot to nap in the new Reitz Union?
There were a ton of kids whose parents didn’t go. I came from oos so my mom came but unless this is your first child or you think they’ll have an issue being away from you for some teason, there is no need to go.
Thank you for the replies - it helped make my decision to skip - def. not a helicopter parent! And don’t want to be treated like one. Would rather explore the campus on my own. Any ideas of how to best make use of my time while there? I do want to find out about a bank account - do I have to go to the parent sessions for that? Also looking for input (links to other posts) re: meal plans, dining options, cooking, etc. I saw something about a declining balance account and using a CC - but not sure if a declining balance is still done??
BTW I could not get back into my acct - so re-registered with 17 on end - thanks again
@CESgatormom17 We got a brochure in the mail yesterday with the meal plan options and pricing. Same info, with a little more detail, is online at www.gatordining.com
I am a self proclaimed helicopter parent when it comes to the money. I definitely plan to be at Preview mainly to better understand the what, when & hows of making all the payments.
During the financial breakout, I plan on sleeping in the back and copying @CaucAsianDad 's notes…
I guess it is just my accounting classes still haunting me. I already have spreadsheets with a Sources and Uses statement and another with a monthly Cash Flow.
H and I went . . . we felt it was worthwhile though H ducked out some of the time for meetings on the phone, etc. To me it seemed like 1st day was more useful than 2nd.
It is nice to meet with your kiddo regarding advising.