He's back! Oh . . . he's back.

It seems like just yesterday that we dropped off our son at college yet last night, after a successful year away, he returned home for the summer. Excited to see him, I plunged into helping him unpack and started washing weeks of dirty laundry. This week’s grocery list includes his favorite foods and we’ve made family plans that include him. He’s a delightful young man and a huge part of this family. I have missed him so much and count my blessings that he’s home. So why am I reluctant to embrace his presence?

A year ago my son was seven-teen years old, a Senior in High School with a midnight curfew. He had chores to do and a limited allowance. If rules were broken he was grounded or privileges were removed. Today he returns a more mature young adult. He has been independent for the past year, hasn’t had to tell anyone where he’s going and what time he’s coming home. Still, I begin to notice habits that I had put behind me. Towels on the bathroom floor, socks in the living room and shirts in the kitchen. Sound familiar?

So how do you handle the college student returning home for the summer? I came up with a short list sure to make us have a stress free summer.. I hope this helps you and your college student.

 Set a curfew that’s respectful to all involved. Although he’s home for the summer, other people in the home continue to work and have early wake up calls.

 Begin a dialogue about his contribution to home and family. He, along with others in the home, will share in household responsibilities.

 Together talk about age appropriate consequences.

 Encourage your college student to get a summer job. Most recruiters will hire a college graduate with work experience and a decent GPA over one with an exceptional GPA and no work experience.

 Most important, make the most of your time together, August is around the corner and soon he’s off to school again.