Guidance on vacation before R day

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RCHMom

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We found out about our DS appointment to West Point yesterday and are still in shock and excited after all the hard work on application and then the waiting and waiting... Now I am scrambling to get my mind wrapped around all of the coming changes and the prep!

As a newbie parent, I have a question-

DS will graduate high school May 25th and R day is June 27th. I was wondering if any of the experienced parents or cadets out there could advise us on whether we try to have one last family vacation (possibly a cruise) before he leaves or if we need to stay home and focus on the prep for R day. I wasn't sure if mentally he would need to take a break before he goes or if he would need to stay focused. Any advice appreciated!
 
We made the trip to R-Day our vacation. We drove from Texas and spent a few days enjoying Kentucky, WV, Gettysburg, NYC, etc.

Yes, you have time for a cruise. Distraction is a good thing.

R-day, and the start of the 47-month experience is stressful on the cadet. There's nothing wrong, and a lot right, with just relaxing. At home or on the road.
 
We took a week-long vacation to Mexico the first week of June. DS loved it, had a fun and relaxing time and was not stressed about preparation for R-Day.
 
I vote for the same vote cast by mom3 boys! Congrats and soak it all in!
 
We took a family cruise and it was a wonderful time that everyone remembers. Enjoy the time that you have with them.

Stealth_81
 
We took one of our few ever "real" (not just a trip to one grandma or the other) family vacations for Spring Break because DS was leaving for college in the fall. During that trip he got the MOC call. Talk about a memorable vacation!! Wish we could do another one in June….now, you got me thinking. hah.
 
Go have fun!! The memories will give your Plebe a mental and emotional escape at times.

When your DS gets closer to R-Day especially a day or two before he may become distant, sharp, grouchy, irritated and darn right difficult. Don't take it personally he is just getting his game face on.

Please check out The moms guide to surviving West Point. It will help the parents understand a little more.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
We were thinking about a trip too, but only has a few weeks between end of school and R day, and then he won't be home for a while, and not much at all for years, so kind of wanted to spend quality time at home too. Shooting some hoops in the driveway like old times.....

Not sure how to maximize our moments together.
 
My son and I headed out about 10 days before R Day, relaxed on the beach in NC then just took our time driving up the East Coast visiting some museums and parks along the way. Arrived in Highland Falls 3 days early and toured the area, opened an account for him at USAA. My son met up with some friends he had made while at SLE at the reception at the Thayer. I think he enjoyed the laid back time and rest before reporting. I was just so content to get him there safe and early allowing time to take it all in. As everyone will agree it was several years in the making.
 
Our son graduated from his boarding school on June 7th last year, then came home to his home state for three weeks of rest before heading out to USMA for R-Day on June 29th. All he wanted to do in those three short weeks was sleep, torture his cat, play video games, sleep some more, and get properly packed for R-Day. We had some serious talks during those lazy days and tried to absorb all we could from being under the same safe roof for the last time before gave himself to the army. He will never be that carefree civilian kid again, but I have those memories.
 
My son worked hard to fit in every bit of fun that he possibly could before reporting on Rday. No regrets about that choice.
 
Visiting Siberia or a similar locale where your family can tour Soviet labor and re-education camps is a good option. It gets you out of the house but keeps him focused on the forthcoming tasks. I recommend Norilsk because you can see a really big nickel mine, too. There's a lot of value there.
 
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