I don't mean for my post title to sound negative. Most students and parents actually look forward to winter break 
– especially that first year. Students want to eat some home cooking, sleep in their own room, and catch up with old friends. Parents can't wait to hang out with their kid and appreciate how he or she has grown up after a semester away.
But let's be honest — it's hard for college students and parents to live together again.
College students are notorious for staying out late, sleeping in, and leaving piles of dirty towels on the bathroom floor. Parents are notorious for thinking college kids should act like adults, but still have a curfew.
Eventually, it becomes a problem.
The fact is, you both have to grin and bear some things. Parents, you're not going to re-set your college kid's clock. She's up late, she sleeps late, that's the way it goes. Students, your parents are wired to worry about you. Respect that, and agree to some kind of curfew or calling system.
And parents, about those dirty towels? Don't fight it and don't bother washing — just smile, re-fold and put them back in the linen closet. (A sense of humor goes a long way over a month's break!)
What do you think? Are there better ways for students and parents to get along over breaks from school?
Editor's note: The Student LoanDown team is taking a short winter break of its own, albeit with clean towels! We wish you all very Happy Holidays and will be back the week of January 5.
Parents cannot expect to impose controls on their children, when they are home from school, that appear too strict from the student's perspective. Prior to returning home, the student was empowered to make the right choices and now they are being stripped of their decision making authority. Possibly, an upfront contract between them to clarify expectations, boundaries, and environmnetal differences between school and home, younger siblings being impacted for instance. A simple understanding of the needs of each other and communication should be a sufficient recipe to minimize issues.
Another way to get along is for parents to particiapte in activities that show they care. Tuition financing is an area of great concern. Parents could help the student create a profile on www.buzzfund.com, which let's their child know they are doing everything they can to assist them in finding money for school.