Parents of the HS Class of 2016 (Part 1)

*serious

We just labeled a bunch of stuff and I got pretty emotional in the process. It just made everything feel real.

Thank you to the many Target shoppers who gave great advice. Sweet girl just got the greatest desk organizers/decor for $17.21. Of course her Paper Source purchases were a little more pricey :smiley: :slight_smile:

Now it’s off to Urban Outfitters for string lighting!!

We still have 18 days till S16 moves in, but this is our last quiet weekend. I’m enjoying the excitement you all are sharing! Best wishes and smooth sailing to all, and thanks for sharing your experiences @lvmjac1 @gettingschooled @dbjs70 @sseamom

Just realized that S16 may have to replace his ID already if it was in the wallet he lost a few weeks ago. And time is ticking to take care of prepping my old car to leave with S14 next weekend. New tires, brake job, yeesh, in the same month as two tuition payments.

Hang in there @dyiu13 @readingclaygirl @carolinamom2boys . We are here for you.

@HappyFace2018 We got some really cool Edison lights with copper tips at Target.

We moved my son into his ā€œtiny houseā€ dorm room on Tuesday. We managed to fit everything we brought and even went to Bed Bath & Beyond for a few more storage items. The 7.25 inch risers were a lifesaver because his bed was already raised a little bit so he has great under the bed storage.

We stayed for two days doing orientation sessions and a parting ceremony for parents. We were exhausted by the time Thursday morning came.

Today is his 18th birthday and of course the first time I haven’t been able to tell him happy birthday in person. We called and spoke with him this morning.

He tweeted that choosing his college was the best decision he has ever made. That makes us feel good to know that he feels that he is in the right place.

Best wishes to all who still have to take their children to school.

Great news @Justathought1

I went through S’s school emails with him today, most received in the past week or so. He had 4 events to put in his calendar, 2 classes( alcohol and assault) to sign up for on-campus sessions, and 2 online classes (safety and assault) required before he gets to campus. He spent several hours completing the online courses and then said ā€œif this stuff goes on as much as they say, why does anyone think living at college is a good idea?ā€ I was sitting next to him, and I’ll admit, the assault info seemed very repetitive - and worrisome. It did focus a lot on intervening if you see someone in trouble, which was good.

I packed one of the 32" duffles and they hold a ton. The living room floor is clear again. The packing is really close to done. Sigh.

@Justathought1, your post gave me warm fuzzies! :slight_smile: And thanks to everyone who is sharing their move-in stories. We are a lucky bunch.

Happy birthday to your son! @Justathought1 It must be hard being away from him. Hope he’s doing something fun and adjusting well. @psychmomma Those courses did seem repetitive (if it’s the same one I had to do-Haven) but the focus on intervention is good. It is slightly terrifying though as a girl (especially one w/ a disability- the chances are even higher). I know you shouldn’t blame victims who are intoxicated (and I don’t victim-shame anyone!) but for me knowing how prevalent alcohol is in sexual assault gives me another reason to stay FAR away from parties.

@readingclaygirl -Yes- he did Haven. He was concerned for girls based on what was covered. He’s introverted and a little shy, and doesn’t drink (or have any intention to at this point) so felt the most relevant for him was how to help if he sees anything suspicious going on.
@Justathought1 - birthdays apart are hard. I’m glad you got to talk to your S.

Good luck to those heading out this weekend. We are 7 days away. Packed the big duffel last night. It held a lot and only weighed 25 pounds. Trying to get S’s head in the game. The laptop we ordered came today so he has been setting that up. He’s been hiding out in his room for several hours. {sigh} We are heading out to have dinner with friends. S seems to want some space so I guess that will work out. He still has a lot to do though.

@psychmomma Nice to know some guys are concerned about girls!

There are quite a few out there @readingclaygirl . Unfortunately , they’re often overlooked by teenage girls who are more interested in the ā€œbad boysā€.

^^^And so the story stays the same. (Sigh)

It makes for great Hallmark Channel movies @Waiting2exhale

@carolinamom2boys Annoyingly so.

My daughter called a department at the college because she knew she wanted to volunteer with the people there, and wanted to know how to go about doing so. They called her back, surprised at her reach out to them.

They told her they normally have to put out inquiries after school starts, and it’s not exactly a role in which kids are racing to serve. Interviewed her on the phone, and told her to come see them when she gets there. Also told her it pays real money!

I don’t know how she is going to do it, but we’ve had the talk about time and grades and all that jazz, and she’s going to prepare by learning the ins and outs of the role while she’s here (as much as she can) . She says it is important to her.

Alright, then I want her to do what is important to her. I’m proud of her initiative.

Only ā€œpackingā€ done here involves some tape marking the length of closet rod that DS will have in his dorm room and DS putting some things on hangers. I am sure he will be doing it this week since his GF goes back to school on Monday but it might be Wednesday before any real progress is made. :!!

@Justathought1 Thanks for sharing! Love hearing everyone’s move in stories. I keep telling myself that if other parents have managed move in without falling to pieces, I can too!

Happy birthday to your son! It must be hard to be away. My son’s birthday is in June and spring term ends before May so we will hopefully see him for birthdays.