saraha Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 My nephew has left for college and is away from home for the first time. He will be the first to do this in his immediate family. He has also chosen a theater arts major, which is unusual for this very rural area. I want to send him texts every week or so that are encouraging without adding pressure. I have sent a few already, but am having trouble thinking of some more. For example: Thinking of you, hope you have a great week- Good. Encouraging, no pressure Do us proud!- Not so good, adds pressure to live up to someone else's expectations This seems like a simple thing, but I have run out of things to text already! TIA, Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 I think just saying hi or something funny is encouraging when away from home. Or a funny picture of a pet or whatever. Even better send care packages! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Love you so much! Hope you're having a great day! Don't you just love fall? Hope you have a great professor this year! Is your refrigerator running? Well, run after it and bring it back! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Some good ideas here (it's not all about just famous quotes): http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts/2013-02-27/Ways-to-Inspire-Students-with-Positive-Quotes.aspx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara H Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 It is sweet that you want to be encouraging. I'd just consider the contact the encouragement and mostly just try to share something from your world - a photo, a joke, a funny video or that sort of thing. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 If you are a Christian, you could ask if he has something he wants you to pray for that week--a test or audition or whatever. Otherwise, I would look for funny stuff you can screenshot or send in a link. And care packages are vastly underutilized, in my opinion. Who doesn't like mail? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 My kids LOVED getting mail and packages, especially that first year in college. You could have your kids make him cards or pictures, too. Anne 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Also, I try to remember - "We love you. And we will still love you even if you totally mess this up." Or words to that effect. A simple "How's it going?" is good sometimes. I try to do those evenings and weekends rather than peak class time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 "There's a care package with 20 bucks on its way to you!" :P 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 You're nice! I'm pretty sure I got maybe two calls per semester from one part of my parental sets, and saw my cousins and their parents every three or four years. I believe the term for it was 'cutting the apron strings'. Being the amazing, awesome aunt that you are (seriously!), I'd say just share things from your life. Don't overthink it. Ask how his classes or friends are going, what's on his agenda for the coming days, if you can pray about anything for him, and yes, care packages are quite nice. Toilet paper and a $20 is always a great gift :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted September 23, 2015 Author Share Posted September 23, 2015 Thanks everybody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Also vote for surprise mail. Doesnt even have to be a $20...spread it in 4/$5 for lunch, coffee, whatever he likes? Will give you 4 opportunities to reach out to him instead of $20 per each time? And I always appreciate a sincere "hope you have a great week!", even if the wording doesn't change much :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Even something simple, like "Happy Wednesday!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 He may enjoy something just completely goofy. One of my bonus daughters (oldest dd's best friend since 4th grade) went away to college this year. Because of something funny that happened several years ago, we have a running gag about those stupid horse head masks. So, whenever I think of it I will google until I find a horse head mask pic that is funny or has something to do with what is going on in her life. (mask on someone sleeping when she's had tests, a mask in a box when she had dorm move in day, etc.). It is simple and personal without it being TOO personal or motherly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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