Preparing Your Son For Cardigan

Greetings Cardigan Families,

With less than two weeks until students rejoin us on The Point, I’d like to discuss three key ways you can help prepare your son for his transition to Cardigan. Needless to say, campus life will be very different than life since March, and we want to set the boys up for success as much as possible.

1.      Talk about homesickness

All boys experience some degree of homesickness. As parents and guardians, you likely know whether or not your son will have more difficulty leaving home. You can talk to your son about how he is feeling about being away from home and family for an extended period. Discussing coping strategies ahead of time is beneficial as well: staying busy, building relationships, encouraging them that it will get better, and asking for help from dorm parents, the health center, and student leaders. If there is anything you think we should know with regards to homesickness based on your conversations, please let your son’s advisor know.

2.     Practice independence

Cardigan boys learn how to be responsible citizens during their time on The Point, but very few of us have been waking up early each day and putting on class dress—definitely not many jackets and ties. Having your student practice personal responsibility will help him feel more confident with more autonomy at Cardigan. He can start by setting a more structured schedule (for example, earlier wake up, read, exercise, chores, fun, and a healthy bedtime). Also, he can take ownership of some tasks like washing the dishes, cooking a meal, doing his laundry, or cleaning his room. Practicing independence will also help prevent homesickness and decrease student anxiety during the opening days.

3.     Limit screen time

For many of us, adults and students, this will be the toughest transition, as we have all grown more attached to our technology. Limiting screen time before arriving at Cardigan may be the best way to help your son prepare for the year ahead. Many of us will have more social anxiety than normal as we are thrust back into face-to-face interactions. We would argue that there is no better time to be at a middle school without cell phones. During our opening days (before they receive their computers), the boys will only have access to the phones in their rooms, which is a huge change. Here’s how you can help your son be present and see the Cardigan experience as an opportunity:

• Try to go an entire day without cell phones, computers, or TV, or allot specific hours for screen time. Either way, have your son become less reliant on screens leading up to his arrival.
• Consider making this a family challenge! Your son is more likely to participate if everyone else does.
• Talk about this experience with your son and discuss other alternatives to prevent boredom.
  • Is there a card/board game he can share from home?
  • Are there some books he wants to read?
  • Is there a skill like drawing he can share?
  • What else?

I hope you find this information useful as you get ready for the academic year. We are counting down the days to when we get to work with your boys again! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We’re happy to help.

Be well,

Nick Nowak
Director of Student Life