This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

"Junior" Comes Home for the Holidays: Got patience?

Your "baby" is coming home for the holidays.

We'll spend every minute together.

As a parent of two sons that went away to college, the adjustment was the most difficult thing I had ever experienced! I did survive, and quite graciously I might add.

When a person experiences something new, it adds a new dimension, in most cases. Sometimes quite insignificant, but at other times, apparent to everyone. This might be the case when "Junior" comes home for the holidays.

Perhaps for the first time in their life, they have had to make decisions without the comfort of glancing over at you for guidance. Most young adults find this exhilarating, while others crave for the safe and predictable environment of home.

The new-found independence like, coming and going as they please, eating as they please, etc., to return to the place of "rules" can be a bit of an adjustment for them.

How is that going to work?  Charmingly, of course!

In my new book, "When Junior Comes Home from College-A guide for parents and college students" (link below) I offer oodles of practical and playful tips that come from experience and suggestions by the "Juniors" of the world.  Here are just a few:

For Parents: 
  • Respect their desire to have a little "alone" time. (Remember, they're used to being in control of their own schedule.)
  • Give "Junior" and his brother or sister a little private time.
  • You don't have to tolerate behavior that you don't approve of. (Don't go crazy; just explain it.)

For "Junior":
  • Yes, you will have to tell your family what time you'll be back. (Call if you're going to be super late.)
  • No, you shouldn't storm in and clear out all of the 2% milk because you've discovered soy milk.
  • No, you can't party like you do at school. (This may or may not apply to you)
Consider this: "Junior" is the one experiencing major changes--possibly missing you more than they'll say. Do you remember how you felt when you first left home? Throw out a topic of conversation and let them talk.  As well-meaning as they might be, lectures probably won't be effective.

Enjoy your time together. This is a precious stage in your child's life--from childhood into adulthood. And, while you still have authority and influence, the delivery can evolve.  ("Junior" is used for story purposes only and characterizes both genders.)

Rosalinda Randall is an Etiquette Consultant and Author, based in northern California. She provides on-site workshops for sales staff, administrative assistants, customer service staff, high school and college students, as well as private consultations.

Website: Your Relationship Edge http://www.yourrelationshipedge.com/http://

Link to book: http://www.amazon.com/When-Junior-Comes-Home-College/dp/1493553291/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384048701&sr=1-1&keywords=rosalinda+randallhttp://


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?