BS experience vs. parental guidance

education1st
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:58:16 +0000

@ben10af, you ask some good questions and the worry of how to stay emotionally close and supportive to our BS kids is, like you say, probably personal and different for all of us. Our daughter is in her first year at BS and we have stayed very close, despite the fact that she lives all the way across the country from us. We use text, phone, Skype, email, whatever we can to communicate. We have always had that kind of relationship, so I can’t imagine anything different. But one thing I have found really interesting and fun is that she is experiencing and thinking about so many different things - cultures, ways that kids approach things, roommates, personalities, attitudes, . . . and at 14 she is very open to calling us and talking about it. Having her experience it at an age where she wants to talk to us about it and actually seeks our thoughts and input is fascinating - I don’t remember wanting to have those discussions with my parents when I went away to college and was pretty sure I knew everything, and they didn’t You do still have a huge amount of influence and opportunities to guide, talk about your values and ideas even when they are away.

I also wanted to respond to 1012mom about day students. My daughter attends a BS with more than 50% day students. For many on these lists, that is a deal-breaker but it was not an issue to us/her. She was accepted to quite a variety of schools, some nearly all boarding, but this particular school was definitely the fit for her and the day/boarding population actually works very well. Having driven (and still driving my middle school son) to a private day school for gifted kids 45 minutes from our house, I totally understand the extra time and stress that travel puts into the day student’s schedule. My daughter often notes how much easier it is for the boarders - classes are 5 minutes away, between classes they can go to their rooms to pick something up (if time) or if there is a break. She does note that when she needs a folder or binder it is harder than asking mom if we can make a trip to Staples She finds that the day students bring a different energy and variety of personalities to the school that she greatly enjoys. So - pros and cons to all situations and let’s support each other and our willingness to do what it takes for our kids.