My Kid’s Home for the Summer: Tips for Parents of College Age and Younger
For those with college students returning home, going from "help me set the table" to "will you be joining us for dinner?" is a big adjustment. Parents with younger kids might be looking for creative distractions over summer break. Here to help with this transition is Jenna Mendelson, PhD, licensed psychologist, Cone Health LeBauer Behavioral Medicine, in this 2 Your Well-Being discussion with WFMY News 2.
College Students: There's a New Adult in the House.
For adult kids who have become more independent while away at college, try having a conversation with them around expectations and boundaries a few weeks before they move back for the summer. Remember that you are meeting them in a new stage of life and they might not have the same interests as they did in high school.
Teenagers: Getting Them (and You) Through It.
Living with a teen who does not want to share as much about their personal life is developmentally typical. However, cause for concern could be your child no longer leaving their bedroom to socialize with friends, major changes in sleeping habits, decline in hygiene or change in weight.
If your child is graduating high school, this summer can bring up difficult feelings as you help them close out their childhood. Navigating this big change will give your child the tools to make it through future life transitions. Remember that it is okay to feel loss or sadness and that any intense emotions will pass.
School-Age Children: Balancing Work and Childcare.
Whether your days are busy with work, errands or chores, planning your child's summer in advance is key. Help them create a consistent schedule with year-round extracurriculars, classmate playdates, dance classes or sports. Visit conehealth.com/play to discover summer camp options.
Take Care of Your Mental Health.
Develop self-care practices before stressful changes come up so that you have coping tools in place. You or your child may want to have the support of a therapist for life transitions. Learn more about Cone Health behavioral health services for children through elder adults.
