<p>Sunny,</p>
<p>In response to your first question, we haven’t experienced any “Stockholm Syndrome” here, at least not yet (we’ve only been at this since September). We talk briefly every day on the phone and chat off and on on the internet in the evenings (his choice, not something we initiate)–all without the parent-teenager angst that physical presence sometimes brings (Nagging from me/sarcasm from him are greatly moderated by emoticons 
) </p>
<p>We miss going to his athletic events, concerts, etc.–but other parents who live closer are kind and post photos for us, which we can then share with him, so we still feel involved there–and he always calls to let us know how he’s done, just as he did when he was at home. We’ve developed a great relationship with his adviser, whom we can contact if we sense that he needs an in-person adult to talk to–iand, really, t’s great having another “parent” in the mix. </p>
<p>Because we’re in touch daily, we’re still in on all the highs and lows that come with good grades and bad. For me, as a homeschooling parent, it’s been nice to relinquish the stuff that tended to cause strife between us–getting schoolwork/chores/practicing done–and just focus on cheerleading and advising from the side. </p>
<p>You know how people say they always have their best conversations with their teenagers while they’re driving? That’s sort of how this feels–without the day-to-day, in your face stuff, we all really enjoy each other and treasure our time together. </p>
<p>There are many other kids who stay in close contact with their parents; others who don’t. I suspect ours may call less as time goes on, but that seems like a fairly normal move in adolescence. </p>
<p>Anyway, just another perspective.</p>