How much did your child change their first semester?

[Anonymous]

We haven't seen DS since he left for school in July and I'm a bit anxious what it'll be like when we finally get the chance. Looking for some reassurance and words of wisdom.

[Anonymous]

Visited DD at Parent’s Weekend. She was a bit distant because I think she expressing new independence and individuality. I would say give space snd respect and listen while he shares.

[Anonymous]

Same. A little more independent, a little more mature. Same good kid at the core.

[Anonymous]

Came home liking hard boiled eggs, and making his bed after getting up. Quite the shock.

[Anonymous]

a little "harder" if that makes sense. Seemed much much older.

[Anonymous]

Very different. Very extroverted now and seems to be really embracing this freedom and independence. There is also a sense of recklessness that worries me but I am hoping they will find a balance soon. There is really not much I can do beyond giving advice, if they'll take it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same. A little more independent, a little more mature. Same good kid at the core.

Same here.

[Anonymous]

My college kid is a senior and i know that's not what you're asking about (yet) but my general observation when she has come home over the years is that the first few days I get the super mature/helpful "best" version of her, the one I assume she has been building at school. Give it a few days and I do often see a bit of a regression to the younger version she was when she lived at home. Nothing bad, still an awesome kid, but just settling back into her old self a bit.

[Anonymous]

More mature, was nice! And, be realistic - they will likely want to spend time over Thanksgiving with friends they haven't seen since they left for college - be patient, explain to them when you expect them to be present, and let them enjoy some new found freedom.

Don't bother cracking down on curfews - they'd don't have one at college, and shouldn't have one at home anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Came home liking hard boiled eggs, and making his bed after getting up. Quite the shock.

OP here. Mine is at a service academy, and I still might fall over dead if he makes his bed at home!

Thanks, all. I'm now looking forward to the more mature version.

[Anonymous]

Fraternity pledgeship has changed mine for the better. He carries himself with a new swagger: standing taller, shoulders back, and looking people in the eye. When he talks to girls, especially hot ones, he evinces a level of confidence that wasn't there before. He’s majoring in business, which initially worried me because even though he has the academic chops, I wasn’t sure he had the dynamic personality needed to thrive in the cutthroat business world. Those concerns are fading fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fraternity pledgeship has changed mine for the better. He carries himself with a new swagger: standing taller, shoulders back, and looking people in the eye. When he talks to girls, especially hot ones, he evinces a level of confidence that wasn't there before. He’s majoring in business, which initially worried me because even though he has the academic chops, I wasn’t sure he had the dynamic personality needed to thrive in the cutthroat business world. Those concerns are fading fast.

Gross

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We haven't seen DS since he left for school in July and I'm a bit anxious what it'll be like when we finally get the chance. Looking for some reassurance and words of wisdom.

It's only been less than 4 months... what changes do you expect? They are still teens!

[Anonymous]

Became a lesbian

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Came home liking hard boiled eggs, and making his bed after getting up. Quite the shock.

OP here. Mine is at a service academy, and I still might fall over dead if he makes his bed at home!

Thanks, all. I'm now looking forward to the more mature version.

Hi, OP. West Point parent here.

First Thanksgiving, child came home tired, hungry, and wanting lots of time to sleep and some alone time - they don't get a lot of that at academy plebe year . Let your child be the guide but would not make a lot of plans. Depending on how social your kid was in HS, they may want to let loose a little with friends - they also don't get a lot of that at academy plebe year. Some parents also found their child a little "harder" - that will loosen up over the next year.