htc002

Our 19 year old son (Jim), and his 21 year old brother (Roger), have been living at home all summer, both on vacation from U of A in Tucson. They've both combined full time summer jobs and had lots of fun. We live on the ocean and they've had fun surfing, fishing, diving, sailing, and the like. They are both really good straight laced young men. Months ago I scheduled their return flight back to school for one week in advance of the start of classes. I felt this a reasonable amount of time to get moved into a new apartment, and get geared up for classes. Jim asked to stay another week, because he is having so much fun. I said no, because 1) I don't think he should be cutting it so close from vacation to school. It isn't even a full week, more like 5 days. They fly into Phoenix, have to then get to Tucson (-2 days), get moved into new quarters (-1 day), food, books, clothes, etc (-1 or 2 days). That pretty much accounts for the time. 2) It is a big coordination hassle to reschedule airlines, transportation to/from airports, etc. 3) I don't think it is a good lesson to teach your children cutting schedules too close. I think it is a parent's responsibility to teach your children good time management skills. Taking your vaca out to the last day, with no margin for comfort or error is not a good idea. My opinion is that three full months of summer fun is plenty. Roger (a senior) thinks he has had enough, and has not asked for any additional vaca time. In my opinion an additional week of vaca is completely unnecessary and more, just not a good idea becasue it is cutting it too close to the start of school. Allowing only one day between the end of vaca and the start of classes simply is not enough time. My wife says I am being unreasonable, and that because "he is a good kid" Jim should be allowed to do {whatever} he wants. She actually went so far as to accuse me of being controlling. I would really like to hear other parents' opinions. Should Jim be allowed to extend his summer vacation another week, or not?
Thanks

Kaytee

already answered on teh other thread

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FooserX

Well it sounds as if they are are both great kids, and doing well....right?

If that's the case, then I'd agree with your wife. They are practically adults already, and have proven themselves to be quite capable of scholastic success. I'm a college graduate, and not once has missing a class or two here and there been detrimental to my degree...especially the first days when the teacher is just giving an outline of the course and making introductions.

It sounds like they plan on being in school anyway for the first day. What difference does it make if they have 4 days break or 1? Let them do it...if they say they can, let them. If they can't, then on well...lesseon learned for them.