MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Well, it's here. It seems like only yesterday that your son or daughter was just a little kid playing in the sandbox, but now they're young adults heading off to college this fall. Some of us moms and dads at Graff Mt. Pleasant know this experience all too well. College move-in day is certainly an emotional time, full of excitement as well as tears, but it doesn't need to be stressful.
Before you let your parental nerves get the better of you, read up on these helpful move-in day tips to help your child's transition to their dorm as smooth as possible!
1. LET THEM LEAD
As much as you don't want to think about it, your child really isn't a child anymore. While we parents know that we only mean well, sometimes our sons or daughters interpret our care and concern as overbearing behavior. On move-in day, let them take the lead. Allow them to introduce themselves, take charge of unpacking, and handle any issues that might arise. Believe us, the feeling of seeing your kid display their independence and efficacy is way better than them screaming at you to get out because you're "smothering" them. Plus, you get to bask in the pride of having raised such an awesome human! Go you!
2. EXCHANGE CONTACT INFO
If your student has a roommate, it's a good idea to exchange contact information with them just in case you ever have trouble reaching your son or daughter. If possible, it doesn't hurt to buddy up with the roommate's parents and get their numbers too. Strength in numbers!
3. KEEP CALM
Move-in day is likely to be one when emotions run high. Your student is in a new place with new people, this is the first time they've ever been on their own, and now they have to LIVE at school. As a parent, it's important to help keep the energy positive during this time. Be calm and patient, don't give lectures or warnings, and (if you can help it) break down into tears AFTER you leave. Make this the big and exciting event it's meant to be!
4. LIMIT YOUR ENTOURAGE
Several members of your extended family might want to come along to help and share in the excitement, but it's smarter to politely decline. Move-in day is absolute chaos. The rooms are often small as well as the hallways, and both are piled to the ceilings with boxes. That being said, it's best for cargo space and stress levels if you limit your moving party to just you, your student, and/or your spouse or a friend.
5. BRING REFRESHMENTS
Chances are on move-in day, neither you nor your student is super familiar with what's around campus. On top of that, with how crowded and crazy it is, do you really want to venture out for anything? Instead, pack a cooler with snacks and drinks.
Heading off to college is a pretty emotional time, and move-in day is one of the most chaotic of the semester. Have no fear though, you've got this! From all of us at Graff Mt. Pleasant, we hope you've found this information useful, and wish all of the students in our community a safe and happy semester! Fire up Chips!
At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.
