<p>My mother wants to attend Visitas but she found the letter describing the activities a bit cryptic. It seems to us (reading between the lines) that parents are welcome but certainly not encouraged to go. She says she doesn't even need to see me while she's there, but is so fascinated by the school and in meeting other "proud parents." So, from parents who have attended, i'm wondering if you thought it was worthwhile? Or is it yet another instance of overparenting? (i.e., hovering and helicopterish). Should she just wait for parent's weekeng?)</p>
<p>Although Visitas has programs aimed at parents – tours, financial aid forums, sit in on a class, etc – most of the activities are for the students (and parents aren’t invited to those events). I dropped my daughter off for Visitas and picked her up at the end. My daughter said there were a few parents that tagged-along with their kids, but she was thankful I was not one of them, as it would have embarrassed her to no end. Tell your mom she would wait for parents weekend. </p>
<p>Regurge01 - I suggest you try to persuade your mother to let you go to Visitas alone - You are now at a point in life where parents should start letting go and allowing their kids more autonomy in their lives. Especially if you will be flying or taking the train to Boston, it’s a great way to taste life as it will be in the future. </p>
<p>If you end up attending Harvard, your mother could join you for freshman Move-In Day in August. There is also a program for parents then, and having a parent around can be useful (for the Target and IKEA trips)!</p>
<p>@gibby & @BldrDad thanks for responding. Very helpful. I’m going to copy your reponses in an email to her. I feel badntelling her not to come, but she’ll get the hint from your messages.</p>
<p>When my D attended Bulldog Days (Yale’s version of Veritas), I put her on the train alone and sent her on her merry way. Figured it was the first step toward her independence. I say, parent to parent, let them go alone.</p>
<p>@Regurge01 - Rest assured parents can attend and not even spend an hour with their student. Once you and your mom enter the welcoming room, the parents go get their itinerary (and T-shirt), the students go to another table for their packet, and can meet up two days later. My husband and I wanted to see the campus, hear the talks, meet the coaches, and understand if Harvard and Cambridge were a good fit. It was a great trip, and later when DD flew out alone for her Freshman Program a week before classes, she had the whole Redline T route nailed, as well as her flight layovers. Now that the Fogg Art Museum is reopened, that in itself is worth the trip! </p>