The fact that you left the nest does not hit you when you finally pack up the car with all of your belongings and drive away from home, staring out the back window as home fades farther and farther into the distance. It does not hit you when you turn the lights out, and tuck yourself in your new bed that first night in your dorm room with some stranger only 10 feet away from you. It does not hit you until you are in that car pulling back up into that familiar driveway when you’re home for your first break, whether it be Fall Break, Thanksgiving, or Winter Break.
Just like it was hard adjusting to life at college, it will be hard to transition back into being at home. You are no longer the same person you were a few months ago, no matter how smoothly first semester may have gone. You have learned a lot and have matured quite a bit. If your transition is anything like mine, you’ll get frustrated at how your parents treat you like a child still (but not in the nice way, like them getting you food all the time and doing your laundry for you). Sometimes it takes a while for both parties to adjust to your new maturity, but it happens. Until then, here some helpful tips on how to make that go over smoothly.
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Don’t get frustrated with them — they haven’t seen the way that you act when you are on your own.
When they try to instill a curfew, do not protest by stating the fact that you determine when you stay out while away at school. Instead, appease them by following the rules for the time being. After all, it is only because they love you and care about your safety (plus, staying out until the sun rises and sleeping the day away is acceptable in college, but at home — not so much).
2. Talk to them. They are more understanding than you think.
Share stories of times you’ve grown intellectually, morally, and in maturity with them. It is more likely to be effective in getting the message across than simply stating the fact that you’re mature now, for that may come off as angsty and therefore, undermine the point you are trying to prove.
3. Be patient.
It will happen in time. They will see you as an adult soon enough, but for now, enjoy being viewed as a child in someone’s eyes a bit longer. Responsibility is now on your shoulders from many people, and having one less set of people seeing you that way in a blessing in disguise. My advice in a piece of advice — capitalize on that!