<p>Taxguy is not thinking of not sending it, is he? Are you tax guy? I certainly hope not. I know I was a little critical, but even though I suggested a couple of changes, I definitely think he should send it, either with changes or not. I think it is such a great idea–a father’s advice to his daughter upon going to college. I think it is obvious from reading the letter that he cares very much for his daughter, and I’m guessing his daughter will see that as well, and will feel glad to have a parent that cares enough to write such a letter. As for the advice, I have no idea how she’ll take that, she may ignore it, or she may just decide to try some of the study tips and other tips–it is there if she needs it. I also think the letter with the warnings and advice could serve as a good topic for discussion a couple of years down the road. I’m thinking like maineparent, that she’ll save it and appreciate it even more a few years down the road.</p>
<p>Hey taxguy! Thanks so much for the advice. I hope you wouldnt mind me printing those out. But anyway, it certainly does help a LOT to any college students. Ah… how I wish my parents would do that to me too! But it doesnt matter anyway! :)</p>
<p>I think the letter is a great idea. I may take pieces-parts and use it to jumpstart my own. While a S or D may take it, roll the eyes and stuff it somewhere, some night when they are feeling just a little homesick or uncertain, they can open it up and read. And they can do it without admitting that just <em>maybe</em> their parent had something valuable to say.</p>
<p>I think that with my son he moans and groans and give me the ‘I know it all’, but he’s still my son and deep down he cares.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reminder that I need to do this some time over the next few months!</p>
<p>I was reminded of this thread that was started several years ago. It was a letter that I gave to my daughter. I thought parents and freshmen kids would find this thread useful.</p>
<p>So taxguy, it’s three years later, does she outline her textbooks? I’m dying to know!</p>
<p>I’m so interested too…to see that great letter from three years ago, and taxguy here again! Did she take the advice well (initially) & utilize any of it, do you think? </p>
<p>I’m wondering if a son might be more opposed to advice from a mom than a daughter would be from a dad…musing…don’t want son to get overloaded w/my advice (I’ve always got something to say…). lol</p>
<p>taxguy-its clear how much you care and wanted to provide some guidance.
curious here too how your d responded to initially recvg the letter and if she found it helpful. certainly knowing her dad put so much effort into his guidance had to be helpful in and of itself…</p>
<p>I recall writing letters to my children, before they were born, while I was on the subway commuting to work in NYC. It helped me to commune with my baby growing inside, and somehow affirmed that becoming a mother was for me an all consuming transformation. </p>
<p>with my son who is a college freshman, we talked over the last few weeks he was home, about things like settling into college, recognizing the first year is largely about living independently, and developing friendships, identity etc. laid the groundwork for ongoing conversations about how things are going. most often not about academics, while he’s doing beautifully with that…</p>
<p>I think I will write a letter to my daughter, who leaves in few weeks…might be more about growing up and life in general. Maya Angelou wrote a book, “A Letter to my Daughter” for the daughter she didn’t have and it touches on many areas of life… thanks for the idea taxguy…</p>
<p>I will ask my daughter whether she outlined her texts and will post the answer here. One thing that I do know that my daughter has recented told me: even though she appears not to listen to what I have said, even though she may roll her eyes, she does consider things that I say to her. This seems to be a big step from what what would have occured even four years ago.</p>
<p>this is still a great thread Taxguy! Thanks for reviving it!</p>
<p>Thanks so much for posting this Taxguy. You made some excellent suggestions that I will pass to son. I love the idea of writing a letter like this; perhaps I will do this for my soon to be first-year son.</p>
<p>thanks for re-posting, it’s a pearl, for certain.</p>
<p>Maybe I am overstating the obvious, but at parties: If you are underage, do not hold anyone’s drink for them, do not hold anyone’s purse for them at any time (even if its a best friend) and do not leave your cup or glass unattended at any time.</p>
<p>idk if itz been mentioned yet but aside from ur nice study tips i think u left out the must important rule in life:</p>
<p>HAVE FUN!! :)</p>
<p>I would leave out the orange juice advice. A big glass of that pure sugar in the AM will probably make her crash in her 10 O’clock class.</p>
<p>Great letter, Taxguy. I would add one piece of advice that I’ve given nieces, nephews, and now my son: Nurture and treasure the friendships you are making in college. This isn’t just about having a social life. It’s about having a strong peer support system that helps you succeed academically as well. With good friends you can test ideas, argue, agree, disagree, commiserate, and celebrate. I’m really happy to see my son with friends who are connected both intellectually and socially.</p>
<p>P.S. Somewhere in all the stuff he brought home, I’m betting there’s a barely touched bottle of vitamins.</p>
<p>I second geezermom’s suggestions about peer groups…Daughter just arrived home from a very difficult, grief-filled freshman year; long story short, she told me she never would have made it without the girls on her floor…and, in our case, the vitamin C is still sealed; never even touched it…</p>
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<p>Please explain?</p>
<p>taxguy, thanks for posting this. </p>
<p>Billy Pilgram, I assume the poster is concerned that the purse might contain drugs and your kid will be left literally holding the bag if there is an arrest. No?</p>
<p>I knew about the “spiked” drink issues, but never heard about problems holding another’s purse. Seems a little paranoid if that’s the only reason.</p>