62 JUNE 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL middle of the night where their parent or parents were posted. Decide on methods and frequency of communication. Choose a platform to text, call, and share online calendars. You may also use social media apps. Most of the parents I spoke to said it is helpful to choose a consistent day, time, and method (video preferred) for communicating. Encourage and expect your kids to keep in touch with each other. One parent told me she had her students sign a “college contract” (she is a former lawyer) that they would talk to both the parents and siblings once a week. Separate the fun from the business. If there are things to discuss like travel logistics or finances, consider sending the details and requests for information in an email. If they don’t respond, send a text the next day asking them to please check their email and respond within 24 hours. You want most of your face-time interaction to be connecting about life in college, learning about their friends, finding out what their most interesting class is. Ask lots of questions like: What’s your favorite hang-out spot on campus? Have you found a great coffee shop? How is it going with your roommate and hall mates? The point is to make memories even though you are apart. Set response time expectations. Not all students are prompt responders when their parents text. Decide on a code word (or phrase) that communicates: “This is a proof of life request. I need to hear from you within 24 hours, or I will be forced to contact campus police.” If there are things to discuss like travel logistics or finances, consider sending the details and requests for information in an email. EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT (Continued from page 56)
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