<li><p>Arrive early, at least a half-hour before your assigned time…parking and other logistics are tight on r-day.</p></li>
<li><p>If you can, get your swab to eat a good breakfast that morning, without overdoing it. It is a long and stressful day so a good meal is important.</p></li>
<li><p>When you get to the check in line, back off as much as possible and let your swab take over. I’ve seen parents carrying paperwork and hovering around many times.</p></li>
<li><p>Once you drop him/her off a the line, proceed to the parent events which are scheduled. You will learn a lot and get a lot of assurance from the talks and interacting with “veteran” parents.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t try to follow your swab’s company around during the course of the day. Some parents try to track down junior and it proves embarassing for all concerned.</p></li>
<li><p>Wear comfortable shoes…you’ll be walking all day…bring an umbrella as it has been very rainy in Connecticut this year. Bring yourself a water bottle…and if Granny is along for the fun build in some rest stops along the way…you’d be surprised how hilly the campus is if you haven’t been there already.</p></li>
<li><p>Have a light snack available for the time when you say your good-byes. Your swab will likely be starved and appreciate it. Don’t worry about water for them as they will have a water bottle with them at all times.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t be the parent who tries to rush the field before it’s appropriate.</p></li>
<li><p>Look for the company assembly area where you can meet up with your swab. Wear some distinctive clothing so they might be able to spot you quickly. Don’t try to spot your swab as they all look alike by the end of the day.</p></li>
<li><p>If at all possible don’t cry in front of your kid…it makes it tougher on them. Save the tears for when they march under the arches.</p></li>
<li><p>If you see a kid alone, “adopt” them as not all parents come on R-day. Nothing worse than having nobody to greet you during the good-byes. I still keep in touch with a young lady who I “adopted” that day…I said to her, “I’ll be your dad for today.” She gave me a big hug and I think really appreciated it. </p></li>
<li><p>Take plenty of pictures, including of kids other than your own. Those parents will appreciate it. If you meet a new cadet, write down their name so you can post to the parents list that you saw their swab and they’re doing fine.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>These are off the top of my head and in no particular order. I’ll post more as I think of them.</p>