Preparing for your student to come home for the summer
Having your student home for the summer can be a great opportunity to reconnect, spend time together and create new memories. Your Buff may return home with new perspectives and independence from their time at CU, and as you adjust to living together again, clear communication and flexibility can help set the stage for a positive summer experience. Review these tips to help prepare for the transition.Ìý
Talk about expectations ahead of timeÌý
Take time to talk with your student about their life at CU and what their day-to-day independence looks like now. Their expectations for being home may be different from yours, especially when it comes to things like:Ìý
- CurfewsÌý
- Chores or household responsibilitiesÌý
- Time spent with family versus friendsÌý
Try to talk through expectations before they arrive and look for a compromise when possible. It can also help to decide together which expectations are truly necessary and which ones can be flexible.Ìý
Open communication can help prevent misunderstandings. Remember, your student may not be used to sharing their plans. It’s okay to let them know what information is helpful for you and to share your own plans, too, especially if there are family events they’re expected to attend.
Be ready for challenging conversationsÌý
The summer may bring up conversations about grades, majors, relationships, substance use or differing viewpoints. These topics can feel challenging for both families and students.Ìý
Preparing ahead of time—and focusing on listening, curiosity and respect—can make these conversations more productive and supportive.
Build a routine togetherÌý
Coming home can feel like a big shift if your student’s schedule and responsibilities are different than they were during the school year. Talking about routines ahead of time can support them and help everyone feel more balanced.Ìý
You might ask questions like:Ìý
- What kind of daily routine helps you feel your best?Ìý
- What do you want your sleep schedule to look like this summer?Ìý
- How can we support your need for social time and alone time?Ìý
- Are there things you’d like to do together while you’re home?Ìý
Support healthy ways to copeÌý
Living together again, especially for an extended period, can sometimes bring stress along with connection. Finding healthy ways to cope can help everyone navigate changes.Ìý
Some ideas include:Ìý
- Checking in regularly about how things are goingÌý
- Leaning on friends or extended family for supportÌý
- Being flexible and open to compromiseÌý
- Getting enough sleep and staying physically activeÌý
- Making time for hobbies and activities you enjoyÌý
- Remembering that no family is perfect—mistakes happen, and repair mattersÌý
Find supportÌý
If your student needs extra support during the summer, there are campus and virtual resources available.Ìý
Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)Ìý
Students located in Colorado can receive support for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and more.Ìý
Â鶹ÊÓƵ has partnered with BetterMynd to offer free, flexible and confidential online counseling—available in all 50 states. BetterMynd is a virtual therapy platform designed specifically for college students.Ìý