<p>I just think it’s important to accentuate the positive, that’s all. Especially, if emotions are running high -which I have personally witnessed.
It’s like dropping off a 4 year old off at pre-school for the first time. Talk about the separation beforehand, acknowledge feelings and when it’s time give a quick kiss and walk away.</p>
<p>As for the second part - while not every child will be emotionally stunted, some will be. True that. Mom and Dad’s reaction greatly influences whether or not their child will actually stay at college. A number of kids wash out in the first half of the semester or first week even.
I know a girl whose parents drove her 4 hours to school and she never even moved in.<br>
I have talked to parents whose kid never made it out of orientation and their reaction was - it’s okay, he can live with me forever I would have missed him too much anyway.</p>
<p>I think parents need to respect their child’s point of view. They know if you are going to get over emotional and if you are asked to stay home or control your emotions then I think you should. For some kids, this is a really tough experience. Parents need to recognize that and support the kids - not make the event about them “losing a child”.</p>
<p>Perhaps simlodon has experienced emotion on move in day (I don’t know if he has or not). Parents should not summarily dismiss HIS feelings and make THEIR feelings more important.</p>