The Long-Awaited Reunion
It’s been a few months since you helped pack the car, made that Target run, and said your teary goodbye on move-in day. Now Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and your college student is finally coming home.
You’ve probably imagined it: family dinners, cozy movie nights, maybe even a little shopping and catching up. But as exciting as it is to have them back, that first visit home can bring a few surprises - for both of you.
They’ve Changed (and That’s a Good Thing)
Your student has spent the last few months making decisions on their own - when to eat, sleep, study, and do laundry (or not). They’ve built new routines, managed deadlines, and maybe even figured out what “adulting” feels like.
That independence means they might seem….different. More confident. More opinionated. Maybe a little less likely to ask permission before running out the door. It’s not a bad thing - it’s proof that they’re growing into the young adult you hoped they’d become.
A Little Conversation Goes a Long Way
Before they even unpack, it can help to have a quick chat about expectations. Nothing heavy - just a friendly check-in about plans, curfews, and how you’ll spend time together during the break.
They’ve gotten used to setting their own schedule, so a simple “let’s make sure we’re on the same page” talk can prevent tension later. Clear communication now keeps the visit relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
Expect a Little Exhaustion
Between midterms, social life, and adjusting to college, your student is probably running on fumes. Don’t be surprised if they sleep (a lot). They might crave home-cooked food and laundry facilities more than family game night, and that’s okay.
Give them some space to rest and recharge before jumping into family activities. The best conversations often happen once they’ve caught up on sleep and feel settled back in.
Don’t Take It Personally
You may picture them spending every minute at home, but your student might also want to catch up with high school friends or just have some downtime.
Try not to take it as rejection - it’s part of the healthy push and pull of growing up. Your house will always be their home base, but their world has expanded. The goal isn’t to pull them back in; it’s to welcome them back with grace and flexibility.
Keep the Focus on Connection
The best way to make the visit meaningful is to focus on connection, not control. Ask open-ended questions - What’s been your favorite class so far? What’s surprised you most about college? - and really listen.
Even if they’re less talkative than you’d hoped, your calm presence and genuine interest speak volumes.
And yes, you can always tuck a card, note, or care package into their bag when they head back just to remind them that home is still cheering them on. 💛
A Homecoming That Feels Right
Thanksgiving break is short, but it can be sweet - a mix of old routines and new realities. Your student might not slip perfectly back into their “high school self,” but that’s a sign of growth, not distance.
Welcome them home with open arms, open expectations, and maybe a slice of their favorite pie. The rest will fall into place. 🏡🥧