College Students May Spark Conflict
Posted on: Friday, 4 July 2008, 15:00 CDT
Familial conflicts often break out when college students return home for the summer, experts at the Menninger Clinic in Houston say.
Differing expectations -- on both sides -- can lead to conflict and parents should set up a meeting before things gets out of control, suggests Heather Steward, a Menninger clinician.
The best time for the meeting to take place is at the beginning of the summer before there is ever even a problem, Steward said in a statement. However, it's never too late to sit down together and talk about expectations for the remainder of the summer; just make sure you schedule the meeting and that it doesn't take place during the heat of an argument.
Stewart encourages all parties to put some thought into what outcomes they would like to see take place. Things to consider may include the following:
-- How much should the young adult should contribute -- through chores and/or a financial contribution -- to the household?
-- What transportation issues need to be considered and should agreements made over borrowing the family car? Who pays for gas?
-- What curfews for weekday and/or weekend are needed?
-- What type of activity -- such as college courses, a paid job, or a volunteer position should be pursued?
Source: United Press International
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