Anonymous wrote:Get your priorities straight, OP. Work can wait. Your kid is moving into college for the first time!

Work can wait. I’m an elementary school principal who missed the first two days of school so that I could be there to move my kid to college. Everyone—parents, teachers, my boss— supported me, and I have zero regrets.

Of course go if you can, but if you absolutely cannot, it’s fine to send your dc with your dh alone. Going is much more for you than them. You can’t have dc arrive late just so you can be there.

No big deal, and no reason for both parents to be there.

I would say you should 100% go, especially freshman year. I have moved my kids into their dorms even on year 2 and 3. I am always surprised by the roommate parents that don’t show up after first year. I take all these friends along with me to Target/Costco and then take them out to dinner too. It is so much fun to get know the friends a tiny bit after hearing so much about them from my child.

Some schools have activities for parents during move in week

I hate to be sexist but I think it depends on whether it’s a boy or a girl. If it’s a girl and she wants your help with all of the crazy decor- you have to be there. I have boys and my husband and younger son could have definitely handled move-in themselves, though I would have hated the chance not to meet the roommates and other parents.

Work will understand on this one. And agreed with the PP- arriving in the days following could cause major drama because your student will be really busy and possibly testy as he/she navigates the scene.

No big deal. It’s always crowded and chaotic, especially with roommates, and as long as one parent is there your DC will be fine. Remember, after their stuff is moved in and the bed is made up, it’s not unusual for kids to want their parents to head out anyway so they can start exploring and meeting people. There are lots of international students who do the whole move-in solo. Just plan on a follow up visit for parents weekend or sometime after they get settled in. It’s different than when we went off to school, now anything that’s missing for their room can be ordered off Amazon so their dorm room doesn’t need to be “perfect” right when they arrive. And don’t feel guilty about missing it- your job is what’s allowing them this opportunity to go off to college, and they will understand that.

OP, move in weekend is a rite of passage for your child, but also for parents. It is 6 months or more away from now. Tell work now that you will not be there because your kid is moving into college. How is this even a question?

Anonymous wrote:Get your priorities straight, OP. Work can wait. Your kid is moving into college for the first time!

+1

Anonymous wrote:Get your priorities straight, OP. Work can wait. Your kid is moving into college for the first time!

This.

Get your priorities straight, OP. Work can wait. Your kid is moving into college for the first time!

Anonymous wrote:Spouse goes and you don’t go at all (there is no point in being there the Monday after—kid will be busy and you’ll be in the way). It’s not critical both parents go from a logistical standpoint, but I would be sad to miss it and would want to be there if I could.

Thank you - I appreciate this. This is what I thought but I appreciate confirmation. I think I'd be sad afterwards (and during) if I miss it.

Spouse goes and you don’t go at all (there is no point in being there the Monday after—kid will be busy and you’ll be in the way). It’s not critical both parents go from a logistical standpoint, but I would be sad to miss it and would want to be there if I could.

I may have a work conflict. I don't want to miss the big weekend but this might be difficult to change. How bad is it to miss freshman move-in? Ok to arrive the Monday-Tuesday after? Spouse would be able to go.