holidays

proudmomcolorado

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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I loved that someone finally said that we need to think about the mids too in all the happenings at Kings Point. This to the new parents at Kings Point. Holidays are around the corner and through trial and error we have learned alot, so here goes...


Do you have your airline tickets yet? Keep in mind that a direct flight is best especially going back to KP. Your DS/DD does not want the attention of not getting back to the Academy in time and weather is unpredictable. Talk to your child about their class schedule and triple check the Academy calendar.

Do they need new glasses/contact lens prescriptions, medical prescriptions, doctor or dentist appointments scheduled?

This is one we are doing this holiday season - renew driver's license. DS's has expired.

Family portrait? They come home in their uniform. We do a photo for the holiday cards at Thanksgiving.

Consider having an afternoon get together and have everyone come to YOU instead of traveling to them.

For the holidays, think small. Money, gift cards, tickets. Don't be upset if they leave gifts behind.

Internship coming up next summer? Try on all the dress clothes in case you need alterations. They do lose weight and add muscle at the Academy.

Let DS/DD set the pace of how much they want to do during their time home.

DS/DD will be different. Safe subjects are daily class schedule, professors, Delano, Cookie Cafe, where they like to go in the city, roommates, study groups and whom they hang out with, where they want to go for sea year, activities, clubs and sports. Don't worry - original child will return eventually,
just more mature and lots more fun.

Finally, have siblings return all electronics that were taken when DS/DD left.


Parents, what else? :smile:
 
I loved that someone finally said that we need to think about the mids too in all the happenings at Kings Point. This to the new parents at Kings Point. Holidays are around the corner and through trial and error we have learned alot, so here goes...


Do you have your airline tickets yet? Keep in mind that a direct flight is best especially going back to KP. Your DS/DD does not want the attention of not getting back to the Academy in time and weather is unpredictable. Talk to your child about their class schedule and triple check the Academy calendar.

Do they need new glasses/contact lens prescriptions, medical prescriptions, doctor or dentist appointments scheduled?

This is one we are doing this holiday season - renew driver's license. DS's has expired.

Family portrait? They come home in their uniform. We do a photo for the holiday cards at Thanksgiving.

Consider having an afternoon get together and have everyone come to YOU instead of traveling to them.

For the holidays, think small. Money, gift cards, tickets. Don't be upset if they leave gifts behind.

Internship coming up next summer? Try on all the dress clothes in case you need alterations. They do lose weight and add muscle at the Academy.

Let DS/DD set the pace of how much they want to do during their time home.

DS/DD will be different. Safe subjects are daily class schedule, professors, Delano, Cookie Cafe, where they like to go in the city, roommates, study groups and whom they hang out with, where they want to go for sea year, activities, clubs and sports. Don't worry - original child will return eventually,
just more mature and lots more fun.

Finally, have siblings return all electronics that were taken when DS/DD left.


Parents, what else? :smile:

Thanks for posting this, especially the part about DS/DD being "different". When DS came home for the hurricane I was actually shocked by his behavior. I expected him to come home and sleep, relax, catch up on movies, etc. Instead it seemed like he couldn't stop moving. He ironed his uniform, shined his shoes, and kept his day filled with numerous activities. I guess it make sense but as a parent it was a little disturbing to see such a different, more distant version of my son come home.
 
During my first trip home on leave (for Christmas), my folks were shocked at how removed and quiet I was. Of course I got over that, but Plebe year will do it to you.
 
Memories.... Moms and Dads you are reading great posts right now. Each Plebe will react differently and in ways you've never seen before. Some kids need to stay focused and work, others sleep, others do things differently and some do it all. There is no rhyme or reason. Just let them be. His first day home at Christmas break, went to bed a 9 pm Friday. I phoned home from church at 3:45 pm Saturday finding out he'd woken up at 2 pm after sleeping 17 hours. Now that didn't happen Thanksgiving either. One last thing. Many of their college friends will want to continue the "college things" while at home. Your ds/dd has to be strong and clear to his/her friends about the consequences he/she will receive if ds/dd is present when things come out/occur. Blood tests occur after breaks from what I've been told. How about a lighter subject! Make breads and cookies to go back on the plane for the first Cookie Cafe of the year! Baking together is a blast, especially if ds/dd friends are around to bake too.
 
I can assure you that the Alumni Association in their meetings with Marad and DOT and in their public statements have never failed to address the issue of the impact these repetitive changes have on midshipmen. They are the focus.
 
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