I’m sure that many of you, like me, are excited to be away from the reminders of grades, tests, and professors that are inescapable when you’re on campus. Going home for the holidays is supposed to be warm, inviting and relaxing after a stressful end to the semester. However, it doesn’t always pan out that way.
There are many reasons for stress and frustration during your stay at your parents house. It all boils down to the freedom you had while living on campus. You don’t have to ask your R.A. to go out, or call your roommate when you get to class safely, but when you’re at home you may be expected to live under the same rules you did while you were in highschool. Parents feel responsible for you when you are home for the holidays and try to keep their authority while you are there. They may expect you to spend all of your time with the family, while you have other plans with friends.
The most important thing to do in order to avoid arguments or unnecessary stress is to confront these things before they happen. Establish a compromised curfew and expectations for going out with friends. Make sure that you let your parents know of your plans before you just walk out. Respect that your parents worry. Although they never knew where you were going at every moment when you lived on campus, your parents deserve the same respect and interaction that you probably gave your roommate. Be considerate and understanding, this time is usually new territory and things may get bumpy. Just make a road map for everyone to follow to avoid frustration!