Planning the Summer Transition
The approaching summertime can provide challenges for students and their families, especially if they've been away from one another this year. Here are some questions your student may ask as you work together to make the summer transition smoother and much more pleasant:

Expectations:

• What are your expectations for curfew?
• What are your expectations for my going to bed/getting up in the morning?
• What am I allowed to do/not allowed to do that is different than before I left college?
• How can I contribute to the daily "home" operations?

Finances:

• How much money do I need to save this summer?
• How many hours a week do you expect me to be working?
• Will I get an allowance?
• What are you expecting me to pay for as far as my expenses go over the summer?

Family Responsibilities:

• Are there specific "chores" you are expecting me to complete?
• Are there any new family obligations/traditions I should be aware of?
• What dates can I put on my calendar now (i.e. brother's graduation, aunt's baby shower, etc.), so I can try to schedule work and social obligations accordingly?

Transportation:

• Will I have access to a car?
• If I will have access to a car, what will I be responsible for regarding maintenance, insurance and gas?
• If I won't have access to a car, how will we work out my getting to work and/or other obligations?

Shared Space:

• Do I still have my own bedroom (remaining as I left it)?
• Should I plan to do my own laundry? If not, what can I do to limit any impact?
• Are you expecting me to be at family meals?
• Where can I store my stuff?

Visitors:

• Can I have friends over?
• Can I have friends visit overnight?
• Am I allowed to throw any parties?
• What are we/are we not allowed to do?

Although some of these questions sound basic, they can be the cause of a great deal of strife when emotions are running high. Talking through the transition ahead of time can alleviate big problems in the long run.

Other Transitions
Your student may not be spending all or part of the summer at home due to an internship, volunteer opportunity, travel, working back at school and more. Talk about this transition, too, as it may be a different situation for all of you this summer.

• How will you stay in touch?
• Will you travel or will they travel for a visit?
• Are there any important family gatherings for your student to factor into his schedule?
• How will you handle finances? Transportation? Food? Housing?