How difficult was it for you as a parent to send your child off to College?

2014-07-28T18:40:17-04:00

My daughter is on her way to Texas State University. Over the last few weeks I have been a bundle of nerves preparing my daughter for the trip. What were some things you focused on with your children?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 28 at 2014 7:17 PM

2014-07-28T19:17:44-04:00

Well, I was deployed when my daughter went off to college (we were stationed in Italy, I was deployed to Afghanistan, and she went to school in Missouri) but I missed her something fierce when I got home and she wasn't there. Not sure if not being there made it easier or harder to be honest.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 7:46 PM

2014-07-28T19:46:02-04:00

1SG Reyna, Are you going with her to get her settled? If so its important that you see what her support group will be and they meet and see you. Make it a point to write down POC's as you get her settled. And when she get's frustrated with some situations you keep her motivated. Do you have family who live near to provide her support? A joint bank account to track her spending will help also.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 3:39 PM

2014-07-29T15:39:23-04:00

Top,

The biggest thing I had to do was trust my daughter, Although I didn't raise her throughout her teenage years due to myself and her mom getting a divorced. I knew she was raised properly. I also knew that she wasn't going go crazy once she left home. Now I'm not naive, I know, almost all kids try news things once they leave home, but I believe the foundation you set for them all while their growing up plays a key role in just how much they are willing to experiment. I would suggest that you simply trust your daughter to do the right things while in school. I suggest that simply because you raised her the way you thought you should from birth all the way up until now. Now it's time for her to leave home and become her own young lady. (I know she is always going to be your baby) Just know that you have laid the foundation for her to follow and if and when things get rough or if it's just something she is not sure how to handle she can call on you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 6:56 PM

2014-07-29T18:56:22-04:00

When sending my kids to college, I mainly focused on ensuring that they understood that I would still be there to support their efforts even though they were miles away. Besides the obvious financial support, I gave them as much social advice and mentoring that I could, trusting that they would make sound decisions based on how we raised them. They made mistakes here and there, but they always knew that I was just a phone call away always willing to help them to help themselves. The challenge for me was to understand when helping them required giving them the help they needed as opposed to simply giving them the help they wanted.

Response by 1SG Charmaine R. made Jul 30 at 2014 12:05 AM

2014-07-30T00:05:00-04:00

I'm here in Texas now preparing her (student orientation and dorm setup). I appreciate all the advice and words of encouragement. Establishing her support system now and ensuring she and her roommate are aware of all my contacts.

Response by SPC Richard White made Jul 31 at 2014 4:05 AM

2014-07-31T04:05:24-04:00

I didn't have a hard time with it since When I graduated high school the day after I was off to Ft. Knox for ROTC Basic camp.With my daughter she needed a new beginning in life and sending her to college is what she needed.In fact it has been a year and now she is home visiting with a better attitude and a better outlook on life.What I focused on before she left is that she had her necessary medical records,social security card,and things that were pertinent to her move.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 2:02 PM

2014-12-11T14:02:14-05:00

My wife and I have an 18/30 rule in our house when it comes to the children. When they get 18 years old they have 30 days to get out. Granted we still provide support but it's their time to live on their own. College being the first choice. So far so good, 2/2. Both have degrees. It's painful but at the same time prideful to see them go. We have a son that is still in school, medical guy. We are very proud even though he has changed a lot. He will be the getting married 27 Dec 14. Oldest has married. One child left and counting the days. We have been fortunate to have them local too (2 hours away) or Command Sponsored so they can visit.