Advice for parents on freshman move-in day

After months of preparation for your college-bound child, the reality of freshman move-in day can still be jarring as a parent - even if you feel like you've come to terms with your departing student. However, it's important to act appropriately throughout the process so your child gets off on the right foot as he or she begins dorm life as a freshman. Here are some tips to get started.

Let your child do the talking
It might be tempting to step into the usual parental role and sort out the moving process for your child, but you should really be letting him or her do the talking. Whether it's speaking to the floor RA or securing a key for a student mailbox, it's best if your freshman gets used to the independence of dorm life.

Don't linger
Many college freshmen meet each other on moving day, and you don't want to stand in the way of burgeoning friendships by being the lingering parent. Even if you have plans to meet up later in the evening, give your student some alone time to explore and meet fellow classmates.

Withhold roommate judgments
If your freshman isn't living with a friend at school, make sure to be nice when you initially meet the roommate and his or her family. Whether or not this person leaves you with a good first impression, your child will have to deal with him or her for the foreseeable future - so don't cause any tension by boasting about your child or acting evasive.

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