D received her first “care package” today - Cheryl’s Cookies! (the $9.99, free shipping deal).
Speaking as the parent of a formerly homesick freshman, the only thing on the list that even comes close is the suggestion for Skyping. Though even that is a double-edged sword; ending the call can be really hard and maybe make them feel worse than before.
The only cure for homesickness is time + becoming engaged in their new surroundings. Reminders of what they’re missing back home only delays the process.
I made a t-shirt quilt for D. I saved all her favorite t-shirts - team jerseys all the way back to t-ball, family vacation t-shirts, school activity shirts, and so on. Any she hadn’t outgrown (such as high school graduation t-shirt), I bought an extra to cut up. Sure, I’ve saved some of her fancy dresses and favorite outfits and wouldn’t cut those up, but worn t-shirts are not something I’d pull out to give to grandchildren. She loves it, and her roommates have all said they wished they had something like it. It’s warm, useful, and full of memories.
Sent a care package to kid the other week. Brownies & cookies that we usually make, some photos for her wall, and stuff she needed (lotion, etc).
Thank you USPS Priority Mail flat rate boxes!