<p>First year parent here as well (dd is a sophomore) and like many others, I can relate. My child broke down in tears over Thanksgiving saying she didnt want to go back even to finish the year. We told her she would have to finish out this year but it was her decision re next year (we too have good options at home). Xmass came and she made a JV team in a new sport for her, and after 2 weeks home with friends she misses terribly, she realized what she would have to give up if she came home. She is leaning towards sticking it out. She also choose a rural BS school and is now ruling out all those small rural LACs that I was sure she would love because her BS is so isolated. Sigh. No real wisdom to impart here - just wanted you to know others feel your pain and share that adjusting (for both kids and parents!)is a much longer process than I hoped it would be. Glad both of our kids are trending the right way.</p>