At this point in the process of off to college, most of you new freshman parents have made the trek to the college of your child’s choice, made a tuition payment and then spent a mortgage payment on all the “things” they need while away living on their "own."

To all of you I say, “Sit down and take a deep breath." You have just accomplished an amazing task. 

Of course, when I finally got home, sat down and took a deep breath, my phone rang and there was my lovely child whom I’m guessing is calling to tell me how cool college is and, he tells me he hates it.  

As a side note, he slept there twice to make sure this was the place for him. 

So, as my head was spinning, I instructed him to start packing, go down to the admissions office and get my check back and by the time I make the trip out to get him, he'd be ready. 

His response was, “I don’t want to come home, I like college, I just don’t like it here. This place is just not for me.” I proceeded to tell him again, “Get ready to come home or figure it out. I’m hanging up.” Click.

He lasted two years and then transferred to sunny Southern California, where my second son followed and the third is working on getting there too. 

Take that deep breath folks. It gets better. 

My thinking is that, at the age of 17/18 when they cannot decide what they want to eat for lunch, how can they choose a college, a career, move in with a stranger and be happy all at the same time? There are going to be “moments” that will try your patience and nerves, but “take that deep breath” and all will be good. 

I wish you all luck and it makes for a great Thanksgiving table discussion, because now, they are living on their “own” and get it!