Drum Roll please ..... Introducing the USMMA Class of 2014 .... dat dat dat DAH....
I wonder what USMMA2014 is wearing to report aboard in...
Seriously, 2014 parents get ready for the "great unplug" and stalking the picture post daily to catch a glimpse of what your DS/DD did "yesterday". It's been said before but I'll say it again -
Top 3 Rules For KP Parents:
1) Be Calm and Supportive, Even When Your Not Sure What They Are Talking About - Be Calm and Supportive. Your DS/DD is likely to be confronted with at least one or more soul searching "What did I get myself into? Why am I here? This is way harder than I think it should be...this can't be worth it ... those upperclassman just say stuff like that because they are all fools drinking the KoolAid" moments, over the next 120 - 180 days. Through them all just remember as mature as they seem they are probably still to some degree the emotional and impatient young adults you dropped off, only now they are more than a little stressed out and sleep deprived. They may need your understanding, support, unconditional love, and calm, reasoned voice now more than ever at times.
2) You may not understand what they are talking about, but they do, and it's all exceptionally real to them because between now and recognition (a long way off from today to them) - they will be living it 24/7 with really nowhere to go hide and get away from it all, except those occasional liberties like Thanksgiving, etc. So especially during this Plebe Year when you see them cut them some slack and let them set the agenda. For example don't be surprised if for the upcoming parents weekend all they really want to do is get off campus, out of uniform, have a good meal/steak, and then sleep in a comfortable civilian bed in your hotel until some late hour like 9:00AM... The transformation to "Kings Pointer" starts today for the Class of 2014 and you'll be surprised at how fast it takes hold.
3) When in doubt relative to giving them advice tell them their priority should be to ensure they take care of their academics first.
Believe me when you are searching for what to do in 95% of the situations you'll be looking at over the next 48 months these three rules are likely to apply in some way, shape or form.
Welcome aboard and remember to participate actively and stay engaged during the weekly lifeboat drills.