| Army2012...Your mother fears about West Point are the fears that many parents of cadets have experieinced over the years. I, for one, was in the group of parents that did not want my son to go to West Point, didn't want him to "waste a year" at a prep school and wanted him to stay fairly close to home. As parents, we ultimately realize that we have to let go and let our sons and daughters make their own "life decisions." That is a tough thing to do and many of us realize that once the decision to go to West Point is made, we are effectively out of the decision making process. We are still parents, we still love our children, but the ability to make decisions for our children has been usurped by the Army. The thing that we have to understand as parents is that is not necessarily a bad thing. It's just part of life...we are just getting there earlier than parents of kids that are going away to a civilian college. Your Mom will ultimately come around and be as proud of you and your decision as I am of my son.
One of the ways I got more comfortable with the idea of West Point was to follow the West Point site at College Confidential. I think your mother would benefit from following it as well. If she wants to talk to some parents that have been there before she can post a thread, or contact by way of private message many of the folks that have replied to your post. One of the great things about West Point for parents is that you don't have to go through it alone. There is always someone there that has been there before who can answer questions and give advice. Whether the help comes from College Confidential, Prospective Plebe Net, Plebe Net or WP Parent's Net, a parent can always find an answer for the fear or question du jour. Good luck and congratulations! |