In Luau of Tearing Your Hair Out
You may not have heard of Hawaii Time, but if you're the parent of a college student, you just might experience it over the holidays. Coined by Southern Methodist University parent liason Deanie Kepler, it refers to the five hours college students' schedules tend to be behind their parents'.
"Parents get up at their usual time long before their children wake up, which is usually around noon," she says. "Your dinner may be their lunch, and you may have to alter your schedule to see more of them."
How to adjust? With an open mind, open arms and an open pantry.
+Here are some more of her tips for college parents:
Watch for signs of depression, alcohol or drug use, and eating disorders.
Set boundaries and curfews, but remember they haven't had such annoyances i awhile. Be prepared to adjust.
Fix their favorite meal.
Don't be hurt if want to spend time with high-school buddies.