The end of the semester is near, and with that, the Thanksgiving holiday break. This is an exciting time for students to visit home, spend time with their families and recharge before finals. As a parent, it is important to keep in mind that your student may need some downtime to relax and also spend some quality time with their family. Thanksgiving break is also a good time for your student to reflect on their achievements and challenges and also focus on things that matter to them, including expressing their gratitude in small ways. 

 For students unable to go home for the break, this can be a good time to rest, study for finals and connect with other students on campus. If this is the case for your student, make a point to connect with them and, if possible, send a care package to help them feel connected to the family.

Whether your student is coming home for the break or staying on campus, it is a good time to talk about plans for the spring semester, friends and clubs. During this break, encourage your student to talk about their mental health, as they are far into the semester and may be feeling overwhelmed with finals coming up. Remind them to take advantage of the wide range of resources, including connecting with the University Counseling Center a little extra support.

 Parents can also encourage healthy study and stress habits, as well as reminding them of the importance of recharging with healthy meals, intentional rest and a slower pace. 

Some students, including out-of-state students and international students, may remain on campus during the break. There are resources available for these students to make their break enjoyable, including Student Involvement, which offers events and programs during breaks to help students connect with others. There is also the Office of International Services, which is a great resource for international students to feel connected with the Wolfpack community, and they host events and activities for students during breaks as well. 

Whether your student is coming home for the holidays or remains on campus, there are activities for them and ways to recharge before the last hurrah of the semester! 

Isabella, Parent Ally