<p>IS anyone else's Plebe dreading going back to school after the break? I think Its time for some tough love but wanted to find out any experiences.
Thanks
A concerned dad</p>
<p>It was tough for my Son today, but he got back to USMMA at 4:30PM. Wrestling practice was at 6:00 PM. </p>
<p>Any other members of winter sports reporting back early? </p>
<p>My son thought he would like to go to Times Square for New Years Eve. Who knows and we will see.</p>
<p>Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful 2009</p>
<p>Going back after such a long break is difficult for them and "Plebe Year" doesn't make it any easier. It certainly doesn't help when they reflect on the fact that many of their high school friends are still at home and may be there until the middle of January. My S seemed particularly depressed last year, but, once he got back to KP he seemed O.K. "Tough love", while useful in many cases, might be a little over the top in this particular instance and I think should only be used as a last resort. Keep him focused on the "prize". Encourage him by reminding him that although his friends are having an easier time now, he'll probably have a better experience after graduation. These next few months are probably some of the hardest he will experience at KP. The dark ages are upon them. But, with spring comes the hope of recognition. Things WILL get better. Tell him to hang in there. Others have made it through and he can too.</p>
<p>Coming Back Is Hard To Do!
It is really hard to return to KP after the holiday break. They are worried about the semester, depressed about the bad weather and the tests they are facing shortly.
The swim team is still in Fort Lauderdale for winter practice.</p>
<p>My Mid echoed that 2nd Tri was the toughest.
The timing is fractured with various breaks, and tougher to 'get into the swing'.
In addition, coming back and seeing buddies finished with Freshman fall semester with the prospects of 4 weeks of nothing to do, while all the Plebes are midway through another trimester and facing tests upon their return... well, it was a real gut-check in tenacity.</p>
<p>They CAN do this. This one is the hardest, and they are more than halfway through.
Stay motivated. Don't get distracted.
Keep doing all the right things.
Good luck !</p>
<p>Your posts reminded me of taking my son to catch a train back after his plebe year holiday break. His walk up the steps to the platform was a bit slower than usual. I could tell he was not looking forward to the tests and the long struggle towards recognition. And you are correct, the sight of his civilian college friends relaxing was a bit disconcerting. But they find the motivation to continue in their own way and KP is different in that they will lay out the path but you are the one who must make the journey. Best of luck to all returning midshipmen !</p>
<p>It's not time for tough love, just gentle love. They had a great time at home, the pressure was off, and they saw all their friends on easier schedules. These plebes have higher goals, have made tougher decisions, and are going to become world travelers soon. You should see them next year when they meet their friends and it appears that they have just matured way beyond their friends. </p>
<p>No one likes to come back. My husband graduated 40 years ago and still gets jitters in his stomach as he goes through the gate, but knows it was the making of him in experience, discipline and opportunities. They will soon get back into the groove of what is going on at KP. Tell them to come over to Cookie Cafe on Thursday, I am starting to bake lots of cookies for them, and take over again from Mom with my MOM hugs and listening ear. Remind them of the good friends they are making. We have some fun and interesting things planned for them, they will do okay. Remind them too why they are at KP, and the long term opportunities this will give them. Most things worthwhile cost. This is one of them.</p>
<p>Just let them continue to have a wonderful time at home with you, then when it's time to return, give them a hug and expect them to come back. This is part of growing up, and part of your parenting skills of letting them go. I am praying for you parents. It's as hard on you as it is on them.</p>
<p>I'd just like to add that there will be plebes and others who will just not come back after break. Some people just do not show.</p>
<p>I'm in my last year here and I still hate coming through that gate, and I still play with the idea of not showing up. Even though I always do, unfortunately...</p>
<p>On a side note, at school right now are the wrestlers, the basketball players and a couple other people here or there who for one reason or another didn't/couldn't go home.
The place actually isn't that bad when you have no responsibilities.</p>
<p>your sons dread will be short lived as his days go back to a speed of light and the daily routine kicks back in. He should take solace in the fact that sea year is approaching faster than he thinks and before he knows it, you will both blink and graduation will be right around the corner. Seems like a long way off, but I can tell you from first hand experience, life moves faster than the speed of light when at KP. Hang in there the rewards are worth the work.</p>