College process 101

 I love watching the dynamics between parents and their teens.

Mostly because it makes me feel normal. 

Did a college tour with youngest yesterday. 

Mom, Dad and other teen boy in front of us waiting to check in.

Mom: Tell them your name.

Kid: I don’t want to. You’re the one that signed me up, you check in. 

Mom: We are here for you. You need to do this.

(Admission person waiting patiently for kid to check in)

Gives his name.

They are handing out t- shirts and she asks kid what size he would like.

Kid looks at Mom.

I smile (behind my mask)

Mom clearly embarrassed.

Tell them your size. 

Kid: I don’t know? Medium? 

Banter continues until info session begins.

Kid continues to sulk.

I’ve done this process with oldest and am now in the throes of it with youngest so clearly this now makes me an expert.

Moms: don’t make the tours for your kid. If they don’t want to tour a particular school, then you’re just wasting your time and resources.

I realize some kids need a gentle push and not all are going to take the bull by the horns but this is about them-not you.

So I try very hard to bite my tongue and let youngest make his own opinions. (Believe me, I am absolutely not rocking this part but I’m trying). 

After all, I’m not the one going to college.

Also Moms (and Dads) kid needs to schedule his own tours. 

And check in on his own.

I’m here all day for any more of my infinite wisdom 😉