Both kids are now at school. My daughter has been there three weeks and my son for 1 1/2 weeks. Each has their own path. My daughter seems to be having fun and said last night that she finally feels she is finding her people. She has met some wonderful people along the way but she feels the people she is meeting now are the people that will stick and be friends with. She is happy.

My son is struggling. He loves the classes and being in college but is having a hard time meeting people and feeling lonely. We are coaching him. The more we talk to each other it is a reminder to us to that there are times we need reminders of life skills too. Things get difficult or we are struggling over something and we need a reminder that we know how to do this but maybe in a new way.

My coaching for him:

1. Keep your head up. Don’t look at the ground. Look around you never know who or what you will see. You are more approachable and personable when your head isn’t down.
2. Say hello or hi to others. They are probably as lonely and scared as you are. Just make human contact.
3. Put yourself in your places where you can meet people. Go to the student center and sort your Magic cards. Go to Karaoke and give it a try. Join a club, group, or choir.
4. As you leave class talk to people. Ask them what they thought about the class, an article you read, or something about the teacher. Listen to them and then see if they want to stop for coffee, lunch, or snack and continue talking about other subjects.
5. Share. Share your supplies, share your snacks, share your talents. Help someone with homework. See someone looking for a pen hand them one.

Slowly it is getting better. We got a message that he accidentally set off the fire alarm last night by opening a fire door. But, it led to him singing Karaoke outside the door at 11 pm. He had fun singing and others were surprised at his voice. He is slowly going to find his friends.