I think it’s normal - but social media doesn’t help.

I think it was different 25 years ago when I went off to college. There is a different dynamic today. Back then, there were no cell phones, texting, etc. I was free to roam the cabin, so to speak, and developed a lot of independence. I didn't/couldn't check in with my parents all the time, so I was used to running my life for the most part. Also, they never checked if I was doing my school work (I was), so I was used to managing that all on my own. I loved them very much, but was ready and happy to be at college on day one. And I appreciated them more when I went home on breaks. Parents are much more involved today - for better and for worse.

Anonymous wrote:Homesick at 18? Can't sympathize at all.

Wow. Your poor kid. I’d like to say I can’t imagine a parent so completely missing an empathy chip. But I can because I had one. It’s really hard to have a parent lacking in the whole “feeling basic human emotions” department.

Do better.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not let my college freshman come home if they were homesick. Tough it out - go make friends.

A generation of snowflakes. I remember crying myself to sleep for the first three or four weeks I missed my family SO much (my dogs more, lol). My mother spent countless hours on the phone talking me down and virtually holding my hand and encouraging me. I thank God everyday for my family and our closeness, but I especially am thankful for the bond I have with my mother, she has always been there no matter how truly small my problem is ...

Yep, that's what I'm saying. This is the time to go spread their wings. Sure, sometimes growing pains are painful, but growing is important.

Anonymous wrote:Homesick at 18? Can't sympathize at all.

Ha! Same for me. I was never homesick during college, even when I went abroad for a semester. Probably a combo of loving my school and not having the best home life.

Anonymous wrote:tell them to go out and drink 5 shots of jack daniels and smoke a joint - like we all did in college

Worked for me.

tell them to go out and drink 5 shots of jack daniels and smoke a joint - like we all did in college

I wish my kid would call me!! I miss him...

Homesick at 18? Can't sympathize at all.

Anonymous wrote:I would not let my college freshman come home if they were homesick. Tough it out - go make friends.

A generation of snowflakes. I remember crying myself to sleep for the first three or four weeks I missed my family SO much (my dogs more, lol). My mother spent countless hours on the phone talking me down and virtually holding my hand and encouraging me. I thank God everyday for my family and our closeness, but I especially am thankful for the bond I have with my mother, she has always been there no matter how truly small my problem is ...

Anonymous wrote:how sad. they should take a gap year.

Most of them did, they deferred. Screwed it up for this year's incoming class, not that I'm judging, just stating a fact.

how sad. they should take a gap year.

Agree mental health issues, especially anxiety were heightened during pandemic for teens. The isolation really impacted many and their development (psychosocial) as well

I would not let my college freshman come home if they were homesick. Tough it out - go make friends.

I watch TikTok before bed and when procrastinating and so much content right now involves college and college freshman. Many of them are so sad and homesick after being dropped off. Some have even left after a few days. I know to some extent homesickness is normal but I do wonder how much the pandemic mental health issues are affecting them.