The holidays are almost here and for many families that means college students will be coming home on break. Dr. Wes Crenshaw shared his list of dos and don’ts for parents and their young adult children.
1.) What are the biggest mistakes parents and their college aged kids make when getting together for the holidays?
Expecting too much. Giving up too little. Young adults expect rest and recreation with friends. Parents want face time with them.
2.) What other unrealistic expectations do parents bring to the holiday table?
Holidays will bring back memories of younger days. Kids will rejoice at family time as much as parents do. Old conflicts won’t reemerge over break.
3.) What about young adults? Where do they go wrong when coming home for break?
Expect same freedom they have at college. They may demand their dating partner sleeps in the same room with them. They may allow too little time with family. They may spring a huge disclosure over Turkey dinner.
4.) What can families do to avoid conflicting demands?
Plan ahead so everyone gets something. Talk about expectations. Set rules before arrival.
